Have you ever thought about how your computer handles wireless, video, and data services? Network engineers build and maintain the computer networks that do all of that. Since computer networks aren’t going anywhere, a network engineer has favorable job prospects. Today’s network engineer brings in an average $90,000+ per year in the US.
Are you interested in becoming a network engineer? Or have you already started looking for a more senior position? We’ve put together this comprehensive list of network engineer interview questions to help you out!.
We’ll cover the most basic questions, along with trickier networking troubleshooting interview questions. Let’s get started!
To become a system network engineer, you need to be good at both complicated technical skills and being able to communicate clearly. When you go for a system network engineering interview, you can expect to be asked both technical questions about protocols, topologies, hardware, and tools, as well as behavioral questions that test your ability to learn quickly, solve problems, and work with others.
To help you put your best foot forward here are 10 of the most common system network engineer interview questions along with suggestions for how to craft compelling responses
1. What experience do you have designing, implementing, and supporting LANs, WANs, and wireless networks?
You will be asked to show how much you know about designing, building, and maintaining basic network architectures by doing this question. Make yourself stand out from other applicants by focusing on specific projects and results that can be measured.
For example “In my current role I oversaw the design and rollout of a new corporate WAN that connected over 50 branch offices. This involved choosing the optimal technologies protocols, and topologies to meet our business needs for high speed, reliability, and security. The result was a 30% increase in data transfer speeds, and we met our 99.999% uptime target in the first year.”
2. Describe a time when you resolved a major network outage or issue. What steps did you take?
Interviewers want to know that you have the technical expertise to quickly identify troubleshoot and resolve network malfunctions. When answering, paint a clear picture of a specific problem you encountered, the diagnostic process you followed, and the solution you implemented to restore connectivity.
For example: “Recently, users across multiple offices reported inability to access any websites and internal services due to a network outage. I used ping tests and SNMP walks to check each hop between branch routers and our core backbone routers. This revealed that an ISP router had failed, so I quickly rerouted traffic through our secondary ISP while we contacted the vendor. After the router was replaced, I optimized our routing policies to auto-failover between ISPs in the event of future outages.”
3. How have you managed switch/router configurations and VLAN implementation in past roles?
This technical question allows you to demonstrate your hands-on expertise configuring core network devices and implementing segmentation via VLANs. Focus on tools and processes you’ve used to effectively manage device configs at scale as well as any experience automating configuration workflows.
For example: “I have extensive experience managing large-scale switch and router configurations using a combination of CLI scripts and Ansible. This allows me to rapidly roll out config changes consistently across 1000+ devices. I also have implemented several customer VLAN schemes to segment traffic, using trunking between switches and VLAN access lists on routers to enforce security policies.”
4. What network monitoring and management tools are you familiar with?
Most network teams rely heavily on specialized tools for monitoring performance metrics, detecting potential issues, and managing devices/configurations. Highlight tools you’ve actively worked with as well as how you used their capabilities to provide visibility and maintain optimal network operations.
For example: “I have hands-on experience with SolarWinds, PRTG, and Cisco Prime in professional environments. I’ve used these tools on a daily basis to monitor bandwidth utilization, uptime stats, device health metrics, and troubleshoot issues like latency and packet loss. I also leveraged them to manage router and switch configs, automate device firmware updates, and baseline network performance.”
5. How would you go about optimizing network performance?
With this question, interviewers want to understand your methodology and skills when it comes to fine-tuning networks for maximum speed and reliability. In your response, lay out a systematic optimization process focused on tools for identifying bottlenecks, techniques you’ve applied to improve throughput, and metrics for quantifying gains.
For example: “My approach to optimizing network performance involves first collecting baseline metrics on bandwidth, latency, jitter etc and locating any problem areas using SNMP monitoring. Then I would prioritize addressing congestion and bottlenecks – optimizing VLANs and trunks, implementing QoS policies, upgrading to higher capacity links, or adding redundancy where needed. Throughout the process I would track metrics using CBQoS and other tools to quantify gains and ensure we meet defined KPIs.”
6. Can you explain spanning tree protocol and its benefits?
This technical query gauges your understanding of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and the vital role it plays in preventing switching loops. Convey both a theoretical understanding of STP as well as examples where you’ve configured it to construct redundant L2 network topologies.
For example: “Spanning tree protocol functions by selecting a root bridge and forcing redundant switches/ports into standby mode to prevent loops. This allows us to build in crucial redundancy and failover capabilities at L2. I have configured STP many times on enterprise networks. Most recently, I implemented per VLAN spanning tree using Rapid PVST+ to optimize convergence times and ensure fast failover if any links went down.”
7. What factors do you consider when designing a new network for a client?
This behavioral question tests your ability to understand a client’s needs and translate them into a strategic network design tailored to their unique requirements and constraints. Emphasize that you take a methodical, customer-focused approach exploring key considerations from bandwidth demands to cost sensitivities.
For example: “The key factors I consider are: current usage and expected growth rates to determine bandwidth capacity, uptime and redundancy requirements, latency constraints, overall budget, staff capabilities to support the network long-term, and specific apps/services that will run on the network. My goal is to design a secure, high performance network within budget constraints that aligns closely with the client’s business objectives and technical needs.”
8. How do you stay current on the latest network technologies and best practices?
Employers want candidates with a hunger to continuously expand their knowledge and skills. Discuss how you actively work to stay up-to-date on new technologies, trends, protocols, and security best practices related to networking. Cite examples of resources you rely on.
For example: “I regularly read industry publications like Network World to stay current on new technologies like SDN/NFV as well as best practices for designing resilient network infrastructure. I also maintain Cisco and Juniper certifications which require continuous learning, and actively participate in online communities like Reddit to discuss emerging technologies with other networking professionals. In addition, I always make time for webinars and courses related to new vendor products we’re considering deploying.”
9. Why do you want to work here as a network engineer?
With this question, interviewers are looking to determine if you have done your research about the company and truly understand/align with their technology mission and culture. Demonstrate this by speaking enthusiastically about specific aspects of their infrastructure, projects, values etc. that appeal to you.
For example: “I’m very interested in working here because I know your company is on the cutting edge when it comes to leveraging AI-driven automation to enhance network monitoring and security. Those initiatives closely align with my own passion for finding innovative ways to leverage technology to solve problems. I also appreciate your commitment to continuous learning – the chance to work on such a stellar network team with top talent would help me take my career to the next level.”
10. Do you have any questions for me about the network engineer role or our technology?
This is your chance to demonstrate your preparation for the interview, curiosity to learn more, and understanding of the role by asking thoughtful, well-researched questions. Prepare several in advance focused on the company’s network, challenges they aim to overcome, team structure etc.
For example:
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Can you tell me more about the scope of the network upgrade project planned for next year? What new technologies are you hoping to implement?
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How does the network team collaborate with software developers when new applications are deployed that will consume significant bandwidth?
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What are the main pain points you’re experiencing with your current network – either from an architecture, monitoring or management perspective?
By crafting compelling responses to these common network engineer interview questions, you can effectively communicate your technical abilities while also demonstrating important soft skills like communication, strategic thinking, and business acumen. Come prepared to talk concretely about your experience and how you can add value to the company through network optimization, problem-solving, automation, and passion for the field. With the right preparation, you can set yourself up for success in landing the network engineering job you want.
Top Network Engineer Interview Questions
Expect a mix of both behavioral and technical networking interview questions. People may ask you about web tools you use every day, like VPN servers, or web tools you’ve used to build computer networks. Similarly, you might have to recount past work experiences where you demonstrated strong communication or liaising experience.
Our list of computer networks interview questions is broken up by level of difficulty to help you find the ones that are most relevant to your background.
Let’s start with basic networking questions.
Basic Networking Interview Questions
Looking for an entry-level role? Start with these network support engineer interview questions.
Take your time reviewing these interview questions on networking for freshers. You might consider having a few research tabs open to ease your studies, too.
“Cat 5” and “Cat 6” are the LAN cable types most often used. The speed limits for “Cat 5” and “Cat 6” are 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, respectively.
A cross table connects same-type devices for interaction without needing a switch or hub.
Standard LAN cables and cross cables are different in how the paired wires are connected to the connector (RJ45).
The length should be 100 meters, but once you get past 80 meters, the signal loss could slow you down.
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP): DHCP gives IP addresses to many PCs on a network, which makes managing IP addresses easier.
- Scope: A scope is a list of IP addresses that a client can use to talk to other PCs on the network. IP addresses have a gateway IP address, subnet masks, a DNS server IP address, and an exclusion range.
- Superscope: Superscopres are a combination of two or more scopes.
The Active Directory is a directory service that manages network environments’ identities and connections. It is a collection of processes and services that help users leverage network resources to accomplish their tasks.
Domain Naming Service, or DNS, is used to translate between names and IP addresses. While we can easily recall names, the computer can only understand numbers. Therefore, we give computers and websites names. When we use these names (such as yahoo. com), the computer converts the request to an IP address (a number) via DNS.
- “A” record: This is a host record that connects a name to an IP address. It gets the IP address of a name from the Domain Name System (DNS) record.
- “MX” Record: You need MX records, also known as mail exchanger records, to find the network’s mail servers.
The IPCONFIG command displays IP information assigned to a computer. We can determine the computers assigned IP address, DNS IP address, and gateway IP address from the output.
When a DHCP server isn’t available, the Windows client computer gives itself an IP address called an APIPA so it can talk to other computers on the network.
When we install Active Directory, a domain is formed. Its a security barrier that controls computers inside of it. Using a domain, you can centrally manage computers and control them with group policies.
BSOD stands for “Blue Screen of Death. When a hardware or OS problem stops the Windows operating system from working, a blue screen with a code shows up. The best solution is to boot from the “Last Known Good Configuration” on the PC. Boot the machine in safe mode. And if that doesn’t work, it could signify issues with the devices or driver.
RIS stands for Remote Installation Services. Once the installed has been saved to a Windows server, RIS can set up the new hardware. It can be used to deploy server and client operating systems.
Ghosting, which is also called imaging, does the same thing by taking a picture of an installed and then installing it on new hardware. Because installing an OS from a CD every time might be time-consuming, we choose either RISE or imaging/ghosting.
Setting up a new computer and putting in the newest OS and antivirus software is possible. Then, connect the infected HDD to the system as a secondary disc. After that, wipe and scan the backup HDD. Now, you can transfer the files to the new system.
Manageable switches are customizable, configurable, and controllable. Unmanageable switches don’t have any customizable or configurable settings.
NIC stands for “network interface controller.” A network interface controller is a computer part that is also called a “network card” or “network adapter.” An NIC enables computer communication over a computer network.
USB stands for Universal serial bus, which connects devices like modems, mouses, and keyboards.
The connectivity between two devices is something we refer to as a link. It comprises cables and protocols used so two devices can talk to one another.
RAS, which stands for “remote access services,” lets you get to resources that are usually on a network of IT devices from afar.
Extended ACLs are source- and destination-based. Standard ACLs are source-based.
FTP, which stands for “File Transfer Protocol,” is a way for computers on a network to talk to each other and share files. A user can access files on public servers using anonymous FTP.
A backbone network is a centralized infrastructure created to provide several networks with varied routes and data. It also manages channel and bandwidth control.
Forward lookup converts names to IP addresses, while reverse lookup translates IP addresses to names.
SYSTEMS ENGINEER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (System Engineer or Network Engineer Interviews!)
FAQ
What does a network systems engineer do?
How do you interview a network engineer?
Asking about the difference between a router and a switch is a common question when interviewing a Network Engineer. This question assesses their understanding of fundamental networking concepts and their ability to articulate technical ideas clearly.
What questions should you ask in a networking interview?
In a networking interview, you might be asked about both behavioral and technical topics. You might be asked about common web tools like VPN servers or web tools you’ve worked with to build computer networks. Similarly, you might be asked to recount past work experiences where you demonstrated strong communication or liaising experience.
How many networking engineering interview questions do companies ask?
In this article, we share that a company may ask you up to 34 networking engineering interview questions in your next meeting. Four sample questions with answers are provided as a reference. Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
What questions should a system engineer ask a interviewer?
Basic questions give interviewers a better understanding of your core values and how their organization’s culture fits your personality. The following questions can help the interviewer get to know you: How did you hear about this position? What qualifications make you successful as a systems engineer? What do you know about this company?
