20 Router Interview Questions and Answers

A router is a device that connects two or more computer networks. In an interview, you may be asked questions about how routers work and how they are used in networking. Reviewing common questions and answers ahead of time can help you prepare for your interview and feel confident on the day of. In this article, we review some questions you may have during your job interview.

Router Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked Router interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is a router?

A router is a device that connects two or more networks together. Routers use protocols to send data from one network to another.

2. How do routers work in computer networks?

Routers are devices that connect computer networks together and allow communication between them. Routers work by forwarding packets of data from one network to another. They use a variety of algorithms to determine the best route for a given packet, and they also keep track of the state of the network so that they can reroute packets if necessary.

3. Can you explain the basic functionality of a router?

A router is a device that connects two or more networks together. It forwards packets of data between these networks, based on their destination address. Routers use a process called routing to determine the best path for these packets to take.

4. What are some common features that most modern routers come with?

Most modern routers come with features such as Quality of Service (QoS), which allows for prioritization of certain types of traffic; Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), which segment traffic on a network; and Network Address Translation (NAT), which allows for multiple devices on a network to share a single IP address.

5. Why do you need a router for your home network?

A router is a device that connects your home network to the internet. It is what allows you to access the internet from your home computers and devices. Without a router, you would not be able to connect to the internet.

6. What’s the difference between wired and wireless routers?

The main difference between wired and wireless routers is that wired routers connect devices using Ethernet cables, while wireless routers connect devices using Wi-Fi. Wired routers are typically faster and more reliable than wireless routers, but they require devices to be physically connected to the router with cables. Wireless routers are more convenient because they allow devices to connect to the Internet without having to be physically plugged into the router, but they can be slower and less reliable than wired routers.

7. What’s the best way to connect multiple devices to a router?

The best way to connect multiple devices to a router is to use an Ethernet switch. This will allow you to connect multiple devices to the router without overloading the router’s bandwidth.

8. Is it possible to use two different types of routers on the same network? If yes, then how?

Yes, it is possible to use two different types of routers on the same network. One way to do this is to use a router that is compatible with both types of networks. Another way to do this is to use a router that can act as a bridge between the two types of networks.

9. Is it possible to add additional storage space to a router? If yes, what are the options available for doing so?

Yes, it is possible to add additional storage space to a router. One option is to use a USB flash drive. Another option is to use a microSD card.

10. What are some common problems that can occur when using a router?

Common problems that can occur when using a router include signal strength issues, interference from other devices, and incorrect configuration.

11. What kind of monitoring tools should I be familiar with if I’m going to be working with routers?

Some of the most important tools for router monitoring are MRTG, Cacti, and Nagios. These tools will help you keep track of traffic levels, identify potential bottlenecks, and monitor the overall health of your router network.

12. What are some ways to prevent unauthorized access to a router?

There are a few ways to prevent unauthorized access to a router. One way is to use a strong password for the router’s admin interface. Another way is to use access control lists (ACLs) to restrict which IP addresses can access the router. Finally, you can disable remote access to the router altogether.

13. What are some advantages of having gigabit ethernet ports on a router?

Gigabit ethernet ports offer a few advantages over standard ethernet ports. They have a higher bandwidth, which means that they can handle more data. They also have a lower latency, which means that they can send and receive data more quickly.

14. What are some advantages of having USB ports on a router?

USB ports on a router can be used to connect a variety of devices, including printers and storage devices. This can be helpful in sharing these devices across a network. Additionally, some routers allow for the use of a USB port to extend the range of the wireless signal.

15. What are some of the security risks involved with allowing remote access to a router over an IP address?

There are a few different security risks involved in allowing remote access to a router over an IP address. One is that it opens up the possibility for someone to gain access to the router’s configuration settings and make changes that could disrupt the network. Another risk is that it provides a way for an attacker to remotely control the router, which could allow them to redirect traffic, eavesdrop on communications, or launch denial of service attacks.

16. What type of firewall protection does my router provide?

Most routers come with some form of firewall protection, which can help to protect your network from outside attacks. The level of protection varies from router to router, but typically it will help to block incoming connections from known malicious IP addresses, and may also provide some protection against common attacks such as denial of service attacks.

17. Do all routers offer MAC address filtering? If not, then which ones don’t?

Not all routers offer MAC address filtering, but many do. Some of the most popular router brands that do not offer this feature are Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link.

18. What is the best way to test the performance of a router?

The best way to test the performance of a router is to use a tool like Iperf or JPerf. These tools will allow you to measure the bandwidth and throughput of the router, as well as any latency issues.

19. What are some reasons why a user may want to upgrade their router?

Some reasons why a user may want to upgrade their router are if they are experiencing slow speeds, poor range, or frequent disconnections. Additionally, if a user is looking to add new features or capabilities to their network, they may need to upgrade their router.

20. What is the purpose of port forwarding on a router?

Port forwarding is a technique used to allow external devices to access a computer or network behind a router or firewall. When port forwarding is enabled, the router will forward incoming traffic on a specific port to a specific internal address. This can be used to allow access to services such as web servers, email servers, or gaming servers.