1. What is Networking?

Networking is the process of connecting multiple devices (like computers, printers, and
servers) so they can communicate and share resources such as files, internet access, or
applications.

Example:

Think of a network as a postal system. When you send a letter, it needs an address (IP
address) and a delivery path (router). Networking works the same way, where data is sent
from one device to another using a structured system.

2. Types of Networks
LAN (Local Area Network)

A LAN connects devices within a small area like an office, school, or home.

👉 Example: Wi-Fi in an office or home is a LAN.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A WAN connects multiple LANs over a large area like cities or countries. The internet is the
largest WAN.

👉 Example: A company with offices in different countries connects them using a WAN.
Other Types:

●​ MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a city (e.g., government networks in a

city).
●​ PAN (Personal Area Network): Small-scale network, like Bluetooth connections
between your phone and smartwatch.

3. Networking Devices and Their Roles

Device Function Example
 Router Connects different networks Your home Wi-Fi router
and forwards data between connects your devices to the
them. internet.

Switch Connects multiple devices in Office computers connected

a network and forwards data to a switch for internal
to the correct device. communication.

Hub Sends data to all devices in Used in small networks but

a network (less efficient than mostly replaced by
a switch). switches.

Modem Converts internet signals The device that connects

from your ISP for your your home to the internet.
devices to use.

Firewall Protects a network from A security system that

unauthorized access. blocks hackers from
entering your network.

4. IP Addressing & Subnetting

What is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier assigned to a device on

a network.

👉 Example: Just like your home has an address, your computer has an IP address (e.g.,
192.168.1.10).

Types of IP Addresses:

1.​ Public IP – Assigned by an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and used to access the
internet.
○​ Example: Your home Wi-Fi’s internet IP.
2.​ Private IP – Used within a LAN and cannot be accessed from outside.
○​ Example: 192.168.1.x for home networks.
3.​ Static IP – Manually assigned and does not change.
○​ Example: Used for servers and printers.
4.​ Dynamic IP – Assigned automatically by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol) and changes over time.

5. Networking Protocols
What are Protocols?

Protocols are rules that devices follow to communicate in a network.

Common Protocols & Their Uses:

Protocol Function Example

TCP/IP The foundation of internet Sending/receiving data

communication. between devices.

HTTP/HTTPS Transfers web pages; Browsing websites like

HTTPS is secure. Google.

FTP (File Transfer Transfers files between Uploading files to a website.

Protocol) computers.

SMTP (Simple Mail Sends emails. Sending emails via Gmail.

Transfer Protocol)

POP3/IMAP Retrieves emails from a Receiving emails on

server. Outlook.

DNS (Domain Name Converts domain names to Typing "google.com" instead

System) IP addresses. of an IP address.

6. OSI Model (7 Layers) – Easy Explanation

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model describes how data moves through a
network in 7 steps.

Interview Explanation (Simple Analogy)

Think of sending a letter through the postal system:

1.​ Physical Layer – The roads and mail trucks.

2.​ Data Link Layer – The postal worker checking the address.
3.​ Network Layer – Deciding the best route (like a router).
4.​ Transport Layer – Ensuring delivery (like tracking a package).
5.​ Session Layer – Opening a connection (like a phone call).
6.​ Presentation Layer – Formatting (like translating a letter).
7.​ Application Layer – The final message (like the receiver reading the letter).

7. Network Troubleshooting Basics

Common Commands & Their Uses
Command Purpose Example

ping [IP] Checks if a device is ping google.com

reachable.

tracert [domain] Shows the route packets tracert facebook.com

take.

ipconfig /all Displays network settings. Checking IP, subnet,

gateway.

nslookup [domain] Resolves a domain to an IP. nslookup google.com

netstat -an Shows active network Identifying network issues.

connections.

Troubleshooting Steps (For Interviews)

1.​ Check physical connections – Are cables plugged in?

2.​ Restart the router/device – Most issues are fixed this way.
3.​ Check IP settings – Run ipconfig /all.
4.​ Use ping – Test connectivity to google.com.
5.​ Check firewall settings – It might be blocking connections.
6.​ Flush DNS cache – Run ipconfig /flushdns.

8. Network Security Basics

Common Security Measures
Security Method Purpose Example

Firewall Blocks unauthorized access. Company firewall preventing

hacking.

VPN Encrypts connections for Remote employees using

security. VPN.

MAC Filtering Allows only specific devices Office Wi-Fi restricting

on a network. unknown devices.

Encryption (SSL, WPA2) Protects data from HTTPS in banking websites.

eavesdropping.

IDS/IPS Detects & prevents attacks. Blocking DDoS attacks.

Common Threats & Prevention

1.​ Phishing – Fake emails tricking users → Train employees.

2.​ DDoS Attacks – Overloading a server → Use firewall & IDS.
3.​ Malware/Ransomware – Harmful software → Install antivirus.

How to Explain This in an Interview?

Scenario-Based Questions

👉
Interviewer: "What would you do if a user reports no internet access?"​
Your Answer:

1.​ Check if the issue is local or global – Ask if others are facing it.
2.​ Check physical connections – Ensure cables are plugged in.
3.​ Run ipconfig – Check if the system has an IP address.
4.​ Ping 8.8.8.8 – If it works, the problem is with DNS.
5.​ Restart the router – Most common solution.

Technical Questions Example

👉
Interviewer: "What is the difference between a switch and a router?"​
Your Answer:

●​ A switch connects multiple devices within a LAN and forwards data using MAC
addresses.
●​ A router connects different networks (LAN to WAN) and forwards data using IP
addresses.

### **Network Troubleshooting Steps**

## **1. Identify the Issue**

### **Ask the User Basic Questions:**
- **What is the exact problem?** (No internet, slow speed, unable to access specific
websites, etc.)
- **When did the issue start?** (After a power outage, software update, etc.)
- **Is it affecting one device or multiple devices?**
- **Are other users facing the same issue?**

### **Verify the Basics:**

- **Check if the device is connected to the network** (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- **Restart the affected device** (computer, phone, or printer).
- **Try another device** to see if the problem is specific to one machine.

---

## **2. Check Physical Connections**

- Ensure **Ethernet cables are properly plugged in**.
- Look for any **damaged cables** or loose connections.
- If using **Wi-Fi**, ensure the device is in range and not blocked by walls.
- **Restart the router and modem** to refresh the connection.

---

## **3. Check IP Address & Network Settings**

Run the following command to check network details:
- **Windows:** Open **Command Prompt (cmd)** and type:
```sh
ipconfig /all
```
- **Linux/macOS:** Open **Terminal** and type:
```sh
ifconfig
```

✅
### **Check for the Following Issues:**
Does the device have an IP address?

✅
- If the **IP is missing or incorrect (169.x.x.x)** → There's a DHCP issue.
Is the **default gateway correct**?

✅
- Should match the router’s IP (e.g., `192.168.1.1`).
Is the **DNS server reachable**?
- Run `nslookup google.com` to check.

🔹 **Solution:** If the IP is incorrect, try renewing it:

```sh
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
```

---

## **4. Test Network Connectivity**

### **Ping Test (Check Internet Access)**
Run:
```sh
ping 8.8.8.8

✅
```

❌
- **Reply received** → The network is working.
- **Request timed out** → No internet access.

### **Check Website Access (DNS Issue?)**

Run:
```sh
ping google.com

✅
```

❌
- **If ping to IP works but to a website fails**, there’s a **DNS problem**.
- Try changing the DNS to Google's DNS (`8.8.8.8`).

🔹 **Solution:** Flush the DNS cache:

```sh
ipconfig /flushdns
```

---

## **5. Check Router & Modem**

- **Restart the router/modem** and wait for it to fully reboot.
- Check if other devices can connect to the internet.
- If using **Wi-Fi**, check if the **signal strength is weak** (move closer or remove
interference).
- Log in to the **router’s admin panel** (`192.168.1.1` in a browser) and check:
- If **DHCP is enabled**.
- If the **WAN IP address** is assigned (contact ISP if missing).

---

## **6. Use Traceroute to Identify Network Path Issues**

Run:
```sh
tracert google.com (Windows)
traceroute google.com (Linux/macOS)
```
- If packets stop before reaching the destination, there might be an **ISP issue**.

---

## **7. Check Firewall & Security Settings**

- **Disable firewall temporarily** and check connectivity.
- If connected to a **corporate network**, check if a **proxy/VPN** is blocking access.
- **Check antivirus software** settings (sometimes, they block internet access).

---
## **8. Reset Network Configuration (If Nothing Works)**
### **For Windows:**
Run:
```sh
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
```
Then restart the computer.

### **For Mac:**

Run:
```sh
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
```

---

## **9. Contact ISP or IT Support (If Still Not Resolved)**

- If no devices can connect, **contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP)** to check for
outages.
- If in a corporate network, **escalate the issue to the IT team**.

---

### **Final Summary (Quick Steps for Interview Explanation)**

1. **Check physical connections** (cables, Wi-Fi, power).
2. **Verify IP settings** (`ipconfig /all`).
3. **Test connectivity** (`ping 8.8.8.8`).
4. **Flush DNS and reset network settings** (`ipconfig /flushdns`).
5. **Check firewall, proxy, and security settings**.
6. **Restart router, modem, and affected devices**.
7. **Use `tracert` to check for routing issues**.
8. **Reset network settings if needed**.
9. **Contact ISP or escalate if unresolved**.