Networking Interview Q&A

Q: TCP vs UDP?

TCP: reliable, ordered, connection-oriented (3-way handshake), slower. UDP: unreliable, unordered, connectionless, faster. TCP for: HTTP, SSH, databases. UDP for: DNS, video streaming, gaming.

Q: How does DNS resolution work?

Browser → OS cache → Recursive resolver (ISP) → Root nameserver (knows .com TLD) → TLD nameserver → Authoritative nameserver → Returns IP.

Q: What is a subnet and CIDR?

Subnet: subdivision of IP network. CIDR: Classless Inter-Domain Routing notation. 10.0.0.0/24 = 256 addresses (10.0.0.0–10.0.0.255). /16 = 65,536 addresses. /32 = single host.

Q: OSI model layers?

7-Application, 6-Presentation, 5-Session, 4-Transport (TCP/UDP), 3-Network (IP), 2-Data Link (Ethernet), 1-Physical. Remember: "All People Seem To Need Data Processing."

Quick Reference — Networking

Key Points for Revision

•Review the overview section for core architecture and fundamentals

•Practice commands/configurations from the cheatsheet section

•Use interview Q&A for active recall before exams or interviews

•Cross-reference with related tools in the devops academy

Practice Approach

1.Read the overview to understand what and why

2.Work through fundamentals for how

3.Attempt hands-on labs or configurations

4.Test yourself with interview questions

5.Keep cheatsheet accessible for quick reference during work

Further Learning

Connect this topic to the broader devops ecosystem.

Each tool in this academy is designed to work with others —

understanding the integration points is what separates intermediate from senior practitioners.

This section is part of the SynfraCore learning platform. Use the sidebar to navigate to Overview, Fundamentals, Advanced, and Cheatsheet sections for comprehensive coverage of this topic.

Summary

This reference section complements the main content. For best results:

•Start with the Overview to understand the big picture

•Work through Fundamentals for core concepts

•Use this section alongside the Cheatsheet for quick recall

•Practice with Interview Q&A to test your understanding

Use the navigation sidebar to move between sections of this topic.

Additional Reference

This topic has detailed content in adjacent sections. Check Overview for architecture, Fundamentals for core concepts, and Cheatsheets for quick command reference. Cross-reference with related topics in the same academy for complete understanding.

Key Takeaways

•Understand the core architecture and design decisions

•Practice the commands and configurations hands-on

•Review interview questions before any technical interview

•Keep cheatsheets bookmarked for quick reference during work

•Connect this knowledge to adjacent tools in the same domain

Networking — Interview Q&A