Server & Networking Interview Questions Every IT Professional Should Know
Server & Networking Interview Questions Every IT Professional Should Know
Preparing for server-side and networking interviews requires more than definitions — it requires practical understanding and real-world experience.
Below is a structured guide covering essential concepts frequently asked in technical interviews.
🔹 SERVER-SIDE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1️⃣ What is a Server?
✅ Definition
A server is a hardware or software system that provides services, resources, or data to other computers (clients) over a network.
🎯 Examples
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File Server → Stores and manages shared files
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Mail Server → Handles email communication.
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Domain Controller → Manages authentication and user access.
2️⃣ What is Active Directory?
✅ Definition
Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft directory service used to manage users, computers, groups, and policies within a domain environment.
🔹 Key Components
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Domain
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Organisational Units (OU)
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Users
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Groups
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Group Policy Objects (GPO)
🎯 Practical Interview Response
“In my role, I create and manage user accounts, configure Group Policies, reset passwords, manage security settings, and perform domain join activities using Active Directory.”
3️⃣ What is a Domain Controller?
✅ Definition
A Domain Controller (DC) is a server that runs Active Directory services and authenticates users within a domain.
🔹 Core Functions
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User authentication
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Policy enforcement
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Security management
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Centralised administrative control
🔥 Real-World Example
When a user logs into an office computer, the Domain Controller verifies the username and password before granting access.
4️⃣ What is Server Monitoring?
✅ Definition
Server monitoring involves tracking system health, performance, and availability to prevent downtime.
🔹 Key Monitoring Areas
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CPU usage
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Memory (RAM) utilisation
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Disk space
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Service availability
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Network connectivity
🔹 Common Tools
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Zabbix
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PRTG
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SolarWinds
🎯 Sample Interview Response
“I continuously monitor CPU, memory, disk utilisation, services, and network connectivity to ensure high availability and avoid unexpected downtime.”
5️⃣ What is Patch Management?
✅ Definition
Patch management is the process of updating operating systems and applications to fix security vulnerabilities and software bugs.
🔹 Importance
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Prevents cyberattacks
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Improves system performance
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Ensures compliance with security standards
6️⃣ What is Antivirus Management?
✅ Definition
Centralised management of antivirus software across all systems in an organisation.
🔹 Key Responsibilities
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Deploying antivirus solutions
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Monitoring threat alerts
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Updating virus definitions
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Generating security reports
7️⃣ What is Virtualisation?
✅ Definition
VirtualisationA A allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server.
🔹 Popular Hypervisors
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VMware
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Microsoft Hyper-V
🎯 Benefits
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Cost reduction
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Better resource utilization
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Simplified backup and disaster recovery
8️⃣ Linux vs Windows Server (Basic Comparison)
| Feature | Linux | Windows Server |
|---|---|---|
| GUI | Optional | Default |
| License | Mostly Free | Paid |
| Security | High | Good |
| Active Directory Support | Limited | Native |
9️⃣ What is Data Backup?
✅ Definition
Data backup is the process of copying data to another location to prevent loss due to hardware failure, cyberattacks, or human error.
🔹 Types of Backup
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Full Backup
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Incremental Backup
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Differential Backup
🎯 Practical Strategy
Daily incremental backups combined with weekly full backups.
🔟 What are Group Servers?
✅ Definition
Group servers refer to multiple servers working together to provide redundancy or load balancing.
🔹 Examples
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Web Server Cluster
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Database Cluster
This ensures high availability and business continuity.
🔹 NETWORKING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1️⃣ Difference Between Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switch
| Feature | L2 Switch | L3 Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Works On | MAC Address | IP Address |
| OSI Layer | Layer 2 | Layer 3 |
| Function | Switching | Routing + Switching |
🔹 Key Difference
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Layer 2 Switch handles traffic within the same network (VLAN).
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Layer 3 Switch can perform routing between different networks or VLANs.
🎯 Final Interview Tip
Interviewers are not just testing definitions — they are evaluating your practical exposure.
Always answer with:
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A clear definition
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Key technical points
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A real-world example from your experience
That combination makes your answer professional and impactful.
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