Monday, February 16, 2026

IT Administrator & Network Engineer – Top Interview Questions (Structured Guide)

 

🔹 IT Administrator & Network Engineer – Top Interview Questions (Structured Guide)

Whether you are preparing for an IT Support, System Administrator, or Network Engineer role, mastering the fundamentals is essential. Interviewers often focus on core infrastructure concepts and expect clear, confident explanations.

Below is a structured and professional breakdown of the most commonly asked questions — presented in a way that is easy to understand and revise.


🖥️ PART 1: IT ADMINISTRATOR – TOP QUESTIONS

1️⃣ What is Active Directory (AD)?

Full Form: Active Directory
Definition: A directory service developed by Microsoft used to manage users, computers, and permissions in a Windows domain network.

In Simple Terms:
Active Directory manages user accounts, passwords, and access control within an organisation.


2️⃣ What is GPO?

Full Form: Group Policy Object

Definition: A feature within Active Directory used to apply security settings and system configurations to users or computers.

GPO helps administrators enforce standardised policies across the organisation.


3️⃣ What is DNS?

Full Form: Domain Name System

Definition: Converts domain names into IP addresses.

Simple Explanation:
DNS translates website names (like google.com) into IP addresses so systems can connect.


4️⃣ What is DHCP?

Full Form: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

Definition: Automatically assigns IP configuration to devices.

DHCP Provides:
✔ IP Address
✔ Subnet Mask
✔ Default Gateway
✔ DNS Server


5️⃣ What is a VPN?

Full Form: Virtual Private Network

Definition: A secure remote connection to an office network.

VPN allows users to safely access internal company resources from outside the organisation.


6️⃣ What is a Firewall?

Definition: A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Short Answer:
A firewall allows or blocks traffic based on predefined security rules.


7️⃣ What is RAID?

Full Form: Redundant Array of Independent Disks

Definition: Combines multiple disks for improved performance or redundancy.

Short Answer:
RAID is used for data protection and disk redundancy.


8️⃣ What is Microsoft Office 365?

Now known as Microsoft 365.

Definition: A cloud-based productivity and collaboration suite.

Includes:
✔ Email (Exchange Online)
✔ Teams
✔ OneDrive
✔ SharePoint
✔ Office applications


9️⃣ What is L1 and L2 Support?

L1 (Level 1): Handles basic user issues and initial troubleshooting.
L2 (Level 2): Manages advanced technical and complex problems.

Short Answer:
L1 resolves common issues. L2 handles deeper technical investigations.


🔟 What is Patch Management?

Definition: The process of updating systems with security fixes and software updates.

Short Answer:
Patch management keeps systems secure, stable, and up to date.


🌐 PART 2: NETWORK ENGINEER – TOP QUESTIONS

1️⃣ What is an IP Address?

Full Form: Internet Protocol Address

Definition: A unique number assigned to a device on a network.

Short Answer:
An IP address identifies a device within a network.


2️⃣ What is a Subnet Mask?

Definition: Divides the network portion and host portion of an IP address.

Short Answer:
A subnet mask separates the Network ID from the Host ID.


3️⃣ What is a Default Gateway?

Definition: The router IP address used to communicate with external networks.

Short Answer:
The default gateway connects the local network to the Internet.


4️⃣ What is VLAN?

Full Form: Virtual Local Area Network

Definition: Logical segmentation of a physical network.

Short Answer:
VLAN divides one physical network into multiple isolated logical networks.


5️⃣ What is NAT?

Full Form: Network Address Translation

Definition: Converts private IP addresses into a public IP address.

Short Answer:
NAT allows multiple devices to share one public IP address.


6️⃣ What is TCP?

Full Form: Transmission Control Protocol

Definition: A reliable communication protocol used to transmit data over networks.

Short Answer:
TCP ensures data is delivered accurately and in the correct order.


🎯 Why These Questions Matter

These fundamentals form the backbone of:

✔ IT Support roles
✔ System Administration
✔ Network Engineering
✔ Infrastructure management

A clear understanding of these concepts demonstrates both technical knowledge and practical readiness.


💬 Which question do you think is asked most frequently in interviews?
Share your experience and insights.

#ITSupport #SysAdmin #Networking #ITCareer #TechSkills #WindowsServer #NetworkEngineer #InformationTechnology #CareerGrowth #LearningEveryday


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