Hey fellow sysadmins! I'm brushing up on my networking skills since it's been a while since I've dealt with anything beyond Plug and Play networking. I really want to be prepared for my upcoming job interviews, but I'm not quite sure what basic networking questions are expected these days. Any suggestions?
6 Answers
It really depends on the company's scale. For a small organization, I’d ask about firewall experience, Layer 3 knowledge, and VLAN management. I’d focus on how your networking experience relates to applications like DNS, DHCP, and any virtual server setups.
Also, can you crimp a Cat5 cable? Knowing the correct color order for the wires is a must in basic networking.
For basic networking interviews, you might want to ask candidates about VLANs and why they're useful. A slightly tougher question could involve explaining port security or the role of RADIUS. But keep in mind, my experience is mostly around security, so consider that perspective too!
That's a good point! I've also worked with security standards. It's interesting to see how those concepts integrate into general networking.
You should definitely cover the OSI model, basic routing, VLANs, and if relevant, VPN configurations. Those are essential areas to touch on.
Don't forget about the TCP handshake! It's crucial, and understanding what DNS actually does is also fundamental.
In my experience hiring sysadmins, I prioritize understanding basic IPv4 subnetting. Knowing how misconfigured default gateways can impact connectivity is key, along with grasping DNS and DHCP basics.
In this case, I know the US office is small but growing, mainly connecting with overseas offices, and they use Fortinet setups. It's more about ensuring stability between sites than heavy physical networking.