Computer Hardware & Networking Interview Quiz
A set of interview-style multiple-choice questions on core computer hardware and networking concepts. Choose the best answer for each question.
/10
Which device operates primarily at Layer 2 (Data Link) of the OSI model and forwards traffic based on MAC addresses?
Router
Switch
Repeater
Modem
A switch is a Layer 2 device that learns and forwards frames using MAC addresses. Routers primarily operate at Layer 3 using IP addresses.
/10
Which connector is commonly used for modern wired Ethernet on PCs and switches?
RJ-45
RJ-11
BNC
DB-9
RJ-45 is the standard connector for twisted-pair Ethernet (e.g., Cat5e/Cat6). RJ-11 is typically used for telephone lines.
/10
What is the default subnet mask for a Class C IPv4 network?
255.255.255.0
255.255.0.0
255.0.0.0
255.255.255.252
In classful addressing, Class C networks use a /24 mask, which is 255.255.255.0.
/10
Which protocol is primarily used to automatically assign IP addresses to hosts on a network?
DNS
DHCP
NTP
SNMP
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) provides automatic IP addressing and other network configuration like gateway and DNS servers.
/10
Which port is used by HTTPS by default?
80
25
443
110
HTTPS uses TCP port 443 by default, while HTTP uses TCP port 80.
/10
In a PC, which component is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations?
RAM
GPU
CPU
PSU
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the primary processor that executes instructions and performs general-purpose computations.
/10
Which memory type is volatile and typically used as a system’s main working memory?
SSD
HDD
ROM
RAM
RAM is volatile (data is lost without power) and is used as main memory for active programs and processes.
/10
What is the purpose of DNS in networking?
To translate domain names into IP addresses
To encrypt web traffic end-to-end
To automatically assign MAC addresses
To physically route packets between cables
DNS resolves human-friendly domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses used by network devices.
/10
Which command is commonly used on Windows to display IP configuration details (IP, gateway, DNS) for network adapters?
nslookup
ipconfig
ping
tracert
On Windows, ipconfig (and ipconfig /all) shows adapter IP settings, including DNS servers and default gateway.
/10
Which cable type is most commonly used for 1 Gbps and higher Ethernet in modern office networks?
Cat5e/Cat6 twisted pair
RG-6 coaxial
Single-mode fiber only
Flat telephone cable
Cat5e supports 1 Gbps Ethernet, and Cat6/Cat6a support higher performance and better noise resistance in typical LAN deployments.
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers.
Keep practicing—revisit fundamentals such as IP addressing, common protocols/ports, and core PC components.
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers.
Good effort—you understand many basics; review weak areas like OSI layers, ports, and addressing.
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers.
Excellent—strong grasp of core hardware and networking interview fundamentals.