Network Operations Center Interview Questions

1. What are 10Base2, 10Base5 and 10BaseT Ethernet LANs

10Base2An Ethernet term meaning a maximum transfer rate of 10 Megabits per second
that uses baseband
signaling, with a contiguous cable segment length of 100 meters and a maximum of 2
segments.
10Base5An Ethernet term meaning a maximum transfer rate of 10 Megabits per second
that uses baseband
signaling, with 5 continuous segments not exceeding 100 meters per segment.
10BaseTAn Ethernet term meaning a maximum transfer rate of 10 Megabits per
second that uses baseband
signaling and twisted pair cabling.
2. What is the difference between an unspecified passive open and a fully specified
passive open?
An unspecified passive open has the server waiting for a connection request from a client.
A fully specified passive open has the server waiting for a connection from a specific
client.
3. Explain the function of Transmission Control Block
A TCB is a complex data structure that contains a considerable amount of information
about each connection.
4. What is a Management Information Base (MIB)
A Management Information Base is part of every SNMP-managed device. Each SNMP
agent has the MIB database that contains information about the device's status, its
performance, connections, and configuration. The MIB is queried by SNMP.
5. What is anonymous FTP and why would you use it
Anonymous FTP enables users to connect to a host without using a valid login and
password. Usually, anonymous FTP uses a login called anonymous or guest, with the
password usually requesting the user's ID for tracking purposes only. Anonymous FTP is
used to enable a large number of users to access files on the host without having to go to
the trouble of setting up logins for them all. Anonymous FTP systems usually have strict
controls over the areas an anonymous user can access.
6. What is a pseudo tty
A pseudo tty or false terminal enables external machines to connect through Telnet or
rlogin. Without a pseudo tty, no connection can take place.
7. Which layer of the 7 layer model provides services to the Application layer over the
Session layer connection?
Presentation.

8. What does the Mount protocol do ?

The Mount protocol returns a file handle and the name of the file system in which a
requested file resides. The message is sent to the client from the server after reception of
a client's request.
9. What is External Data Representation
External Data Representation is a method of encoding data within an RPC message, used
to ensure that the data is not system-dependent.
10. Which OSI Reference Layer controls application to application communication?
Session
11. BOOTP helps a diskless workstation boot. How does it get a message to the network
looking for its IP address and the location of its operating system boot files ?
BOOTP sends a UDP message with a subnetwork broadcast address and waits for a reply
from a server that gives it the IP address. The same message might contain the
name of the machine that has the boot files on it. If the boot image location is not
specified, the workstation sends another UDP message to query the server.
12. What is a DNS resource record
A resource record is an entry in a name server's database. There are several types of
resource records used, including name-to-address resolution information. Resource
records are maintained as ASCII files.
13. What protocol is used by DNS name servers
DNS uses UDP for communication between servers. It is a better choice than TCP
because of the improved speed a connectionless protocol offers. Of course, transmission
reliability suffers with UDP.
14. What is the difference between interior and exterior neighbor gateways
Interior gateways connect LANs of one organization, whereas exterior gateways connect
the organization to the outside world.
15. What is the HELLO protocol used for
The HELLO protocol uses time instead of distance to determine optimal routing. It is an
alternative to the Routing Information Protocol.
16. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the three types of routing tables
The three types of routing tables are fixed, dynamic, and fixed central. The fixed table
must be manually modified every
time there is a change. A dynamic table changes its information based on network traffic,
reducing the amount of manual maintenance. A fixed central table lets a manager
modify only one table, which is then read by other devices. The fixed central table
reduces the need to update each machine's table, as with the fixed table. Usually a
dynamic table causes the fewest problems for a network administrator, although the
table's contents can change without the administrator being aware of the change

.
17. What is a characteristic of Store and Forward switches?
They read the entire frame and check CRC before forwarding.
18. What is source route
It is a sequence of IP addresses identifying the route a datagram must follow. A source
route may optionally be included in an IP datagram header.
19. What is RIP (Routing Information Protocol)
It is a simple protocol used to exchange information between the routers.
20. What is SLIP (Serial Line Interface Protocol)
It is a very simple protocol used for transmission of IP datagrams across a serial line.
21. What is Proxy ARP
It is using a router to answer ARP requests. This will be done when the originating host
believes that a destination is local, when in fact is lies beyond router.
22. What is OSPF
It is an Internet routing protocol that scales well, can route traffic along multiple paths,
and uses knowledge of an Internet's topology to make accurate routing decisions.
23. What is Kerberos
It is an authentication service developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Kerberos uses encryption to prevent intruders from discovering passwords and gaining
unauthorized access to files.
24. What is a Multi-homed Host
It is a host that has a multiple network interfaces and that requires multiple IP addresses
is called as a Multi-homed Host.
25. What is NVT (Network Virtual Terminal)
It is a set of rules defining a very simple virtual terminal interaction. The NVT is used in
the start of a Telnet session.
26. What is Gateway-to-Gateway protocol
It is a protocol formerly used to exchange routing information between Internet core
routers.
27. What is BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
It is a protocol used to advertise the set of networks that can be reached with in an
autonomous system. BGP enables this information to be shared with the autonomous
system. This is newer than EGP (Exterior Gateway Protocol).
28. What is autonomous system
It is a collection of routers under the control of a single administrative authority and that

uses a common Interior Gateway Protocol.

29. What is EGP (Exterior Gateway Protocol)
It is the protocol the routers in neighboring autonomous systems use to identify the set of
networks that can be reached within or via each autonomous system.
30. What is IGP (Interior Gateway Protocol)
It is any routing protocol used within an autonomous system.
31. What is Mail Gateway
It is a system that performs a protocol translation between different electronic mail
delivery protocols.
32. What is wide-mouth frog
Wide-mouth frog is the simplest known key distribution center (KDC) authentication
protocol.
33. What are Digrams and Trigrams
The most common two letter combinations are called as digrams. e.g. th, in, er, re and an.
The most common three letter combinations are called as trigrams. e.g. the, ing,
and, and ion.
34. What is silly window syndrome
It is a problem that can ruin TCP performance. This problem occurs when data are passed
to the sending TCP entity in large blocks, but an interactive application on the
receiving side reads 1 byte at a time.
35. What is region
When hierarchical routing is used, the routers are divided into what we call regions, with
each router knowing all the details about how to route packets to destinations
within its own region, but knowing nothing about the internal structure of other regions.
36. What is multicast routing
Sending a message to a group is called multicasting, and its routing algorithm is called
multicast routing.
37. What is traffic shaping
One of the main causes of congestion is that traffic is often busy. If hosts could be made
to transmit at a uniform rate,congestion would be less common. Another open loop
method to help manage congestion is forcing the packet to be transmitted at a more
predictable rate. This is called traffic shaping.
38. What is packet filter
Packet filter is a standard router equipped with some extra functionality. The extra
functionality allows every incoming or outgoing packet to be inspected. Packets meeting
some criterion are forwarded normally. Those that fail the test are dropped.

39. What is virtual path

Along any transmission path from a given source to a given destination, a group of virtual
circuits can be grouped together into what is called path.
40. What is virtual channel
Virtual channel is normally a connection from one source to one destination, although
multicast connections are also permitted. The other name for virtual channel is virtual
circuit.
41. What is logical link control
One of two sublayers of the data link layer of OSI reference model, as defined by the
IEEE 802 standard. This sublayer is responsible for maintaining the link between
computers when they are sending data across the physical network connection.
42. Why should you care about the OSI Reference Model
It provides a framework for discussing network operations and design.
43. What is the difference between routable and non- routable protocols
Routable protocols can work with a router and can be used to build large networks. NonRoutable protocols are designed to work on small, local networks and cannot be used
with a router.
44. What is MAU
In token Ring , hub is called Multistation Access Unit(MAU).
45. Explain 5-4-3 rule
In a Ethernet network, between any two points on the network, there can be no more than
five network segments or four repeaters, and of those five segments only three of
segments can be populated.
46. What is the difference between TFTP and FTP application layer protocols
The Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) allows a local host to obtain files from a
remote host but does not provide reliability or security. It uses the fundamental packet
delivery services offered by UDP. The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the standard
mechanism provided by TCP / IP for copying a file from one host to another. It uses the
services offered by TCP and so is
reliable and secure. It establishes two connections (virtual circuits) between the hosts, one
for data transfer and another for control information.
47. What is the range of addresses in the classes of internet addresses
Class A 0.0.0.0 - 127.255.255.255
Class B 128.0.0.0 - 191.255.255.255
Class C 192.0.0.0 - 223.255.255.255
Class D 224.0.0.0 - 239.255.255.255
Class E 240.0.0.0 - 247.255.255.255

48. What is the minimum and maximum length of the header in the TCP segment and IP
datagram
The header should have a minimum length of 20 bytes and can have a maximum length
of 60 bytes.
49. What is difference between ARP and RARP
The address resolution protocol (ARP) is used to associate the 32 bit IP address with the
48 bit physical address, used by a host or a router to find the physical address of
another host on its network by sending a ARP query packet that includes the IP address of
the receiver. The reverse address resolution protocol (RARP) allows a host to discover its
Internet address when it knows only its physical address.
50. What is ICMP
ICMP is Internet Control Message Protocol, a network layer protocol of the TCP/IP suite
used by hosts and gateways to send notification of datagram problems back to the sender.
It uses the echo test / reply to test whether a destination is reachable and responding. It
also handles both control and error messages.
51. What are the data units at different layers of the TCP / IP protocol suite
The data unit created at the application layer is called a message, at the transport layer the
data unit created is called either a segment or an user datagram, at the network layer the
data unit created is called the datagram, at the data link layer the datagram is
encapsulated in to a frame and finally transmitted as signals along the transmission
media.
52. What is Project 802
It is a project started by IEEE to set standards that enable intercommunication between
equipment from a variety of
manufacturers. It is a way for specifying functions of the physical layer, the data link
layer and to some extent the network layer to allow for interconnectivity of major LAN
protocols.
It consists of the following:
802.1 is an internetworking standard for compatibility of different LANs and MANs
across protocols.
802.2 Logical link control (LLC) is the upper sublayer of the data link layer which is
non-architecture-specific, that is
remains the same for all IEEE-defined LANs.
Media access control (MAC) is the lower sublayer of the data link layer that contains
some distinct modules each
carrying proprietary information specific to the LAN product
being used. The modules are Ethernet LAN (802.3), Token ring LAN (802.4), Token bus
LAN (802.5).
802.6 is distributed queue dual bus (DQDB) designed to be used in MANs.
53. What is Bandwidth

Every line has an upper limit and a lower limit on the frequency of signals it can carry.
This limited range is called the
bandwidth.
54. Difference between bit rate and baud rate.
Bit rate is the number of bits transmitted during one second whereas baud rate refers to
the number of signal units per
second that are required to represent those bits.
baud rate = bit rate / N where N is no-of-bits represented by each signal shift.
55. What is MAC address
The address for a device as it is identified at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer in
the network architecture. MAC
address is usually stored in ROM on the network adapter card and is unique.
56. What is attenuation
The degeneration of a signal over distance on a network cable is called attenuation.
57. What is cladding
A layer of a glass surrounding the center fiber of glass inside a fiber-optic cable.
58. What is RAID
A method for providing fault tolerance by using multiple hard disk drives.
59. What is NETBIOS and NETBEUI
NETBIOS is a programming interface that allows I/O requests to be sent to and received
from a remote computer and it
hides the networking hardware from applications.
NETBEUI is NetBIOS extended user interface. A transport protocol designed by
microsoft and IBM for the use on small
subnets.
60. What is redirector
Redirector is software that intercepts file or prints I/O requests and translates them into
network requests. This comes under presentation layer.
61. What is Beaconing
The process that allows a network to self-repair networks problems. The stations on the
network notify the other stations on the ring when they are not receiving the
transmissions. Beaconing is used in Token ring and FDDI networks.
62. What is terminal emulation, in which layer it comes
Telnet is also called as terminal emulation. It belongs to application layer.
63. What is frame relay, in which layer it comes
Frame relay is a packet switching technology. It will operate in the data link layer.

64. What do you meant by "triple X" in Networks

The function of PAD (Packet Assembler Disassembler) is described in a document known
as X.3. The standard protocol has been defined between the terminal and the PAD, called
X.28; another standard protocol exists between hte PAD and the network, called X.29.
Together, these three recommendations are often called "triple X"
65. What is SAP
Series of interface points that allow other computers to communicate with the other
layers of network protocol stack.
66. What is subnet
A generic term for section of a large networks usually separated by a bridge or router.
67. What is Brouter
Hybrid devices that combine the features of both bridges and routers.
68. How Gateway is different from Routers
A gateway operates at the upper levels of the OSI model and translates information
between two completely different network architectures or data formats.
69. What are the different type of networking / internetworking devices
Repeater:
Also called a regenerator, it is an electronic device that operates only at physical layer. It
receives the signal in the
network before it becomes weak, regenerates the original bit pattern and puts the
refreshed copy back in to the link.
Bridges:
These operate both in the physical and data link layers of LANs of same type. They
divide a larger network in to smaller
segments. They contain logic that allow them to keep the traffic for each segment
separate and thus are repeaters that relay a frame only the side of the segment containing
the intended recipent and control congestion.
Routers:
They relay packets among multiple interconnected networks (i.e. LANs of different type).
They operate in the physical,
data link and network layers. They contain software that enable them to determine which
of the several possible paths is the best for a particular transmission.
Gateways:
They relay packets among networks that have different protocols (e.g. between a LAN
and a WAN). They accept a
packet formatted for one protocol and convert it to a packet formatted for another
protocol before forwarding it. They operate in all seven layers of the OSI model.

70. What is mesh network

A network in which there are multiple network links between computers to provide
multiple paths for data to travel.
71. What is passive topology
When the computers on the network simply listen and receive the signal, they are referred
to as passive because they dont amplify the signal in any way. Example for passive
topology - linear bus.
72. What are the important topologies for networks
BUS topology:
In this each computer is directly connected to primary network cable in a single line.
Advantages:
Inexpensive, easy to install, simple to understand, easy to extend.
STAR topology:
In this all computers are connected using a central hub.
Advantages:
Can be inexpensive, easy to install and reconfigure and easy to trouble shoot physical
problems.
RING topology:
In this all computers are connected in loop.
Advantages:
All computers have equal access to network media, installation can be simple, and signal
does not degrade as much as
in other topologies because each computer regenerates it.
73. What are major types of networks and explain
Server-based network
Peer-to-peer network
Peer-to-peer network, computers can act as both servers sharing resources and as clients
using the resources.
Server-based networks provide centralized control of network resources and rely on
server computers to provide
security and network administration
74. What is Protocol Data Unit
The data unit in the LLC level is called the protocol data unit (PDU). The PDU contains
of four fields a destination
service access point (DSAP), a source service access point (SSAP), a control field and an
information field. DSAP, SSAP are addresses used by the LLC to identify the protocol
stacks on the receiving and sending machines that are generating and using the data. The
control field specifies whether the PDU frame is a information frame (I -

frame) or a supervisory frame (S - frame) or a unnumbered frame (U - frame).

75. What is difference between baseband and broadband transmission
In a baseband transmission, the entire bandwidth of the cable is consumed by a single
signal. In broadband transmission, signals are sent on multiple frequencies, allowing
multiple signals to be sent simultaneously.
76. What are the possible ways of data exchange
(i) Simplex (ii) Half-duplex (iii) Full-duplex.
77. What are the types of Transmission media
Signals are usually transmitted over some transmission media that are broadly classified
in to two categories.
Guided Media:
These are those that provide a conduit from one device to another that include twistedpair, coaxial cable and fiber-optic
cable. A signal traveling along any of these media is directed and is contained by the
physical limits of the medium. Twisted-pair and coaxial cable use metallic that accept and
transport signals in the form of electrical current. Optical fiber is a glass or plastic cable
that accepts and transports signals in the form of light.
Unguided Media:
This is the wireless media that transport electromagnetic waves without using a physical
conductor. Signals are
broadcast either through air. This is done through radio
communication, satellite communication and cellular telephony.

78. Difference between the communication and transmission.

Transmission is a physical movement of information and concern issues like bit polarity,
synchronization, clock etc.
Communication means the meaning full exchange of information between two
communication media.
79.The Internet Control Message Protocol occurs at what layer of the seven layer model?
Network
80.Which protocol resolves an IP address to a MAC address?
ARP
81.MIDI and MPEG are examples of what layer of the OSI seven layer model?
Presentation
82.What is the protocol number for UDP?
17

83.Which protocol is used for booting diskless workstations?

RARP
84.Which layer is responsible for putting 1s and 0s into a logical group?
Physical
85.What does 'P' mean when running a Trace?
Protocol unreachable
86.UDP works at which layer of the DOD model?
Host to Host
87.What is the default encapsulation of Netware 3.12?
802.2
88.Ping uses which Internet layer protocol?
ICMP
89.Which switching technology can reduce the size of a broadcast domain?
VLAN
90.What is the first step in data encapsulation?
User information is converted into data.
91.What is the protocol number for TCP?
6
92.What do you use the Aux port for?
Modem
93.Repeaters work at which layer of the OSI model?
Physical
94.WAN stands for which of the following?
Wide Area Network
95.What ISDN protocol specifies concepts, terminology, and services?
I
96.LAN stands for which of the following?
Local Are Network
97.DHCP stands for
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
98.What does the acronym ARP stand for?

Address Resolution Protocol

99.Which layer is responsible for identifying and establishing the availability of the
intended communication partner?
Application.
100.Which OSI layer provides mechanical, electrical, procedural for activating,
maintaining physical link?
Physical