Networking Interview Notes

1. Introduction

• Networking is the practice of connecting computers and devices to share resources.

2. Important Concepts

OSI Model

• 7 Layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application.

TCP/IP Model

• 4 Layers: Network Access, Internet, Transport, Application.

IP Addressing

• IPv4: 32-bit address.

• IPv6: 128-bit address.

Protocols

• HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol

• HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure

• FTP: File Transfer Protocol

• SFTP: Secure File Transfer Protocol

• TCP: Transmission Control Protocol

• UDP: User Datagram Protocol

• IP: Internet Protocol

• ICMP: Internet Control Message Protocol

• ARP: Address Resolution Protocol

• SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

• IMAP: Internet Message Access Protocol

• POP3: Post Office Protocol version 3

• DNS: Domain Name System

• DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

• SSL: Secure Sockets Layer

• TLS: Transport Layer Security

• SSH: Secure Shell

• SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol

DNS

• Converts domain names to IP addresses.

• Firewall: Protects network by filtering traffic.

• Router: Connects different networks.

VPN

• Virtual Private Network ensures secure remote access.

Software Engineering and Testing Notes

1. SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle)

• Requirement Gathering

• Design

• Implementation (Coding)

• Testing

• Deployment

• Maintenance

Models:

• Waterfall Model : Linear, sequential.

• Agile Model : Iterative, flexible.

• V-Model : Development and testing happen side by side.

• Spiral Model : Risk-driven approach.

2. Software Testing Basics

Types of Testing:

• Manual Testing : Performed by human testers.

• Automation Testing : Performed using scripts and tools.

Testing Levels:

• Unit Testing : Testing individual units or components.

• Integration Testing : Testing combinations of units.

• System Testing : Testing the complete system.

• Acceptance Testing : Ensuring the software meets business requirements.

Testing Methods:

• White Box Testing : Tester knows the internal structure.

• Black Box Testing : Tester doesn't know the internal structure.

3. STLC (Software Testing Life Cycle)

• Requirement Analysis

• Test Planning

• Test Case Design

• Test Environment Setup

• Test Execution

• Test Closure

4. Common Testing Terminologies

• Bug : Flaw in software.

• Error : Human mistake in coding.

• Defect : Deviation from requirements.

• Test Case : Set of actions executed to verify a feature.

• Test Plan : Document detailing the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of testing.

5. ISO/OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection Model)

The ISO/OSI Model is a conceptual framework used to understand and standardize the functions of a
communication system or network. It consists of 7 layers , each responsible for specific tasks:

Layers:

1. Physical Layer :

• Deals with hardware connections, cables, and signals.

• Responsible for transmitting raw bitstreams over a physical medium.

2. Data Link Layer :

• Handles node-to-node data transfer.

• Detects and corrects errors that may occur in the physical layer.

• Example: Ethernet, MAC addressing.

3. Network Layer :

• Manages packet forwarding, including routing through different routers.

• Example: IP addressing, routers.

4. Transport Layer :

• Ensures reliable data transfer between systems.

• Example: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

5. Session Layer :

• Manages sessions or connections between applications.

• Establishes, manages, and terminates connections.

6. Presentation Layer :

• Translates data between the application layer and the network.

• Handles encryption, compression, and translation.

• Example: SSL/TLS.

7. Application Layer :

• Closest to the end-user.

• Provides network services directly to applications.

• Example: HTTP, FTP, SMTP.

6. TCP/IP Model (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)

The TCP/IP Model is a simplified version of the OSI model, consisting of 4 layers :

Layers:

1. Network Interface Layer :

• Corresponds to the Physical and Data Link layers of the OSI model.

• Deals with hardware addressing and physical transmission.

2. Internet Layer :

• Similar to the Network layer in the OSI model.

• Handles logical addressing and routing.

• Example: IP (Internet Protocol).

3. Transport Layer :

• Ensures reliable data transfer between systems.

• Example: TCP, UDP.

4. Application Layer :

• Combines the functionality of the Session, Presentation, and Application layers of the
OSI model.

• Provides network services to applications.

• Example: HTTP, FTP, DNS.

Networks can be classified based on their size, purpose, and geographical coverage:

1. LAN (Local Area Network) :

• Covers a small geographic area (e.g., home, office).

• High-speed, low-cost.

2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) :

• Covers a larger area than LAN (e.g., city).

• Connects multiple LANs.

3. WAN (Wide Area Network) :

• Covers a large geographic area (e.g., country, world).

• Example: The Internet.

4. PAN (Personal Area Network) :

• Covers a very small area (e.g., personal devices like smartphones, laptops).

5. CAN (Campus Area Network) :

• Connects multiple LANs within a limited geographical area (e.g., university campus).

8. Types of Network Topologies

A network topology defines how devices in a network are connected to each other. The arrangement
affects performance, scalability, and fault tolerance.

1. Bus Topology :

• All devices share a single communication line (bus).

• Simple and cost-effective but prone to congestion.

2. Star Topology :

• All devices are connected to a central hub or switch.

• Easy to manage and troubleshoot, but failure of the central hub disrupts the network.

3. Ring Topology :

• Devices are connected in a circular fashion.

• Data travels in one direction, reducing collisions.

4. Mesh Topology :

• Every device is connected to every other device.

• Highly reliable but expensive due to the number of connections.

5. Tree Topology :

• A combination of bus and star topologies.

6. Hybrid Topology :

• A combination of two or more different topologies.

• Flexible and scalable.

Summary Table :

Concept Details

ISO/OSI Model 7-layer model for understanding network communication.

TCP/IP Model Simplified 4-layer model widely used in modern networking.

Types of Networks LAN, MAN, WAN, PAN, CAN.

Network Topologies Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Tree, Hybrid.

Key Takeaways :

• The ISO/OSI Model provides a detailed framework for understanding network

• The TCP/IP Model is the practical implementation used in modern networks.

• Network types (LAN, WAN, etc.) define the scope and scale of a network.

• Network topologies determine how devices are interconnected and affect performance and
reliability.