17 NOC Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Network operations center (NOC) analysts are the unsung heroes of the tech world. They keep the networks that our businesses and consumers rely on running smoothly day and night. And as technology advances and our reliance on networks grows, the need for NOC analysts also increases.

Do you have the skills to be a NOC analyst? Are you prepared to answer some tough questions in an interview? Check out our guide to the most common NOC analyst interview questions and answers, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Are you familiar with the OSI model?

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is a networking framework that helps network administrators understand how data moves through the internet. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with using the OSI model in your previous roles. If you haven’t used it before, consider describing what you know about it and why you would be interested in learning more.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the OSI model. In my last role as an NOC analyst, I was responsible for monitoring all of our company’s servers and making sure they were operating at peak performance. One way I did this was by checking the status of each server according to the seven layers of the OSI model. This helped me identify any issues or bottlenecks within the system.”

What are the different types of topologies?

This question is a basic technical one that an interviewer may ask to test your knowledge of networking. Your answer should include the definition of topology and list at least two types.

Example: “Topology refers to the physical layout of network devices, such as computers or routers. There are three main types of topologies in networking: linear, bus and ring. In a linear topology, all nodes connect to a central node, which is usually a hub or switch. A bus topology has nodes connected to a single cable, while a ring topology has nodes connected in a closed loop.”

How would you troubleshoot a network issue if you were onsite with a client?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would apply your skills and knowledge to solve a problem in real time. Your answer should show that you have experience troubleshooting network issues, but also highlight your ability to communicate with clients and work as part of a team.

Example: “If I were onsite with a client, I would first try to isolate the issue by checking all the hardware components and software settings. If it was still unclear what the issue was, I would ask for permission from my supervisor or manager to reboot the entire system. Once the system is back online, I would check if there are any new alerts or errors. If there aren’t, then I know the issue has been resolved. However, if there are new alerts or errors, then I will continue to troubleshoot until the issue is resolved.”

What is the difference between a broadcast domain and a collision domain?

This question tests your knowledge of networking terminology. It also shows the interviewer how you apply that knowledge to solve problems and make decisions. In your answer, define each term and explain their differences.

Example: “Broadcast domain is a group of devices on a network that can receive broadcast messages from other devices in the same domain. A collision domain is a group of devices that can send data back and forth with one another. Broadcast domains are usually smaller than collision domains because they only include devices that can communicate with one another.”

Provide an example of a WAN technology.

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of networking and how it works. When answering this question, you can provide an example of the WAN technology and explain what it does.

Example: “A WAN technology I have experience with is SD-WAN. This technology allows businesses to connect their remote offices through the internet. It uses various methods to connect these locations, such as MPLS, LTE and broadband connections. With SD-WAN, companies can reduce costs by using less expensive internet connections for some applications while using more expensive ones for others.”

If you were tasked with designing a new network for a company, what steps would you take?

This question can help the interviewer understand your thought process and how you approach a project. Use examples from past projects to explain what steps you would take when designing a network, including any challenges you might face along the way.

Example: “I would first conduct an audit of the current network to determine its strengths and weaknesses. I would then create a plan for the new network based on the results of the audit. Next, I would implement the new network by creating a blueprint that includes all hardware and software requirements. Finally, I would test the new network before handing it over to the client.”

What would you do if you noticed that a network was overcapacity and needed to be scaled?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to scale a network. You can answer this question by describing the steps you would take to scale a network, including how you would determine if it needs to be scaled and what tools you would use to do so.

Example: “If I noticed that a network was overcapacity, I would first look at the current bandwidth usage of each server on the network. If the bandwidth usage exceeds 80% for more than 30 minutes, then I would know that the network needed to be scaled. To scale the network, I would create new servers with additional resources and install them in different locations within the data center.”

How well do you understand TCP/IP?

TCP/IP is a set of protocols that allow computers to communicate with each other. It’s an essential part of the NOC analyst job, so your interviewer may ask this question to see if you have the necessary technical skills for the role. If you’re not familiar with TCP/IP, consider reading up on it before your interview. You can also explain why you want to learn more about it and how you plan to do so.

Example: “I’ve worked in IT for several years now, but I’m still learning new things every day. When I first started working as an NOC analyst, I was unfamiliar with TCP/IP. However, my manager taught me some basics and encouraged me to continue learning by taking online courses. Now I feel comfortable enough to troubleshoot issues related to TCP/IP.”

Do you have experience with network security?

Network security is an important part of the NOC analyst’s job. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with network security and can apply your knowledge in this role. If you do not have direct experience, you can talk about how you would approach a situation where you needed to implement new security measures.

Example: “I’ve worked as a system administrator for several years now, so I am familiar with many different types of security protocols. However, I prefer to work with open source solutions because they are often more cost-effective than proprietary software. In my last position, I noticed that our firewall was blocking some legitimate traffic. After investigating, I realized we had outdated antivirus software. I updated it and implemented other security measures to ensure our systems were secure.”

When is it appropriate to use a crossover cable?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of network hardware and software. Use examples from your experience to show that you know when a crossover cable is necessary and how it works.

Example: “In my last role, I was tasked with setting up a new server for our company’s website. The server needed to be connected to the internet so we could update the site regularly. Since the server was in an office on one floor while the internet connection was located on another floor, I used a crossover cable to connect the two floors. This allowed me to set up the server without needing additional networking equipment.”

We want to make sure our NOC analysts have experience working with large enterprise networks. Do you have experience with enterprise environments?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with large enterprise networks. Use your answer to highlight any previous work experience and how it prepared you for this role.

Example: “I’ve worked in a small business environment before, but I also have experience working with larger enterprises. In my last position, I was responsible for monitoring several hundred devices within an organization of over 10,000 employees. This helped me develop my skills as an NOC analyst and learn how to manage complex systems. I’m confident that I can apply these same skills to your company.”

Describe your experience with wireless networking.

Wireless networking is a common technology used in NOC analyst roles. This question allows the interviewer to assess your experience with wireless networking and how you apply it to your work. In your answer, describe your past experience with wireless networking and how you applied that knowledge to your job.

Example: “In my last role as an NOC analyst, I was responsible for monitoring all of our company’s wireless networks. I regularly monitored the status of each network, including any issues or problems that occurred. If there were any issues with the wireless network, I would troubleshoot the problem by checking the router, modem and other hardware. I also ensured that the correct security settings were in place on each network.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any transferable skills or certifications you have.

Example: “I am an extremely organized person who is always looking for ways to improve processes. I noticed in your job description that you are looking for someone with strong communication skills. In my last position, I streamlined our customer service department by creating a new system for tracking calls and emails. This saved time for employees and improved overall efficiency.”

Which operating systems do you have the most experience with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with operating systems. It can also show them which ones you prefer to use and why. You can answer this question by listing all the operating systems you have experience with, along with a brief explanation about each one.

Example: “I’ve worked with Windows, Linux and Mac OS for most of my career. I find that I’m more comfortable using Windows because it’s what I used at my last job. However, I am familiar with Linux and Mac OS as well. I know how to navigate through both of these operating systems and can perform basic tasks on them.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a NOC analyst to have?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities necessary for this role. You can answer this question by identifying a skill from the job description and explaining how you use it in your daily work.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills for a NOC analyst is problem-solving, as they need to be able to solve issues quickly when they arise. In my last position, I was tasked with monitoring the network for any problems or errors. If I noticed an issue, I would troubleshoot the problem until I found a solution. This process usually involved asking questions about the issue to determine what caused it and then finding a way to fix it.”

How often do you perform maintenance on your personal network?

This question is a good way to assess your technical skills and how you apply them in your personal life. It also shows the interviewer that you have experience with network maintenance, which can be an important part of this role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific tools or applications you use for maintaining your own network.

Example: “I perform regular maintenance on my personal network by updating antivirus software, running scans and checking for updates regularly. I also make sure to keep all of my devices updated so they’re compatible with the latest security protocols.”

There is a bug in the code for a software update that will impact the entire company. How would you go about deploying the update?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team. Your answer should show that you can think critically, communicate effectively with others and solve problems efficiently.

Example: “I would first make sure I understood the bug in the code so I could explain it clearly to my supervisor. Then, I would deploy the update to one department at a time to ensure there were no issues. If there was an issue, I would roll back the update and try again until I got it right.”