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Quizzes > Computers & IT

Networking MCQ: Test Your Networking Fundamentals

Quick, free computer networking quiz with instant results and explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Michael ArrowsmithUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration with quiz elements network cables nodes routers and globe symbols on a coral background

This quiz helps you check your understanding of networking fundamentals, from protocols and IP addressing to routing, switching, topologies, and internet connectivity. For more practice, explore our ip networking fundamentals quiz and computer networking quiz, or level up with the MTA networking fundamentals practice test.

What does LAN stand for?
Logical Area Network
Local Area Network
Large Area Network
Long Area Network
LAN stands for Local Area Network, which is a network covering a small geographical area such as an office or building. LANs typically offer high data transfer speeds and low latency. They connect devices like computers, printers, and servers. For more details see .
Which device forwards data packets between networks?
Router
Switch
Modem
Hub
A router operates at the OSI Network layer and forwards data packets between different networks based on IP addresses. It examines the destination IP address to determine the best next hop for each packet. Routers manage traffic between LANs and WANs. Additional info at .
What is the IPv4 address format?
64-bit dotted decimal notation
48-bit hexadecimal without delimiters
128-bit hexadecimal with colons
32-bit dotted decimal notation
IPv4 addresses consist of 32 bits displayed as four octets in dotted decimal format, for example 192.168.0.1. Each octet ranges from 0 to 255, creating over four billion unique addresses. This notation is simple and widely used across networks. Learn more at .
Which protocol is used to send emails?
IMAP
POP3
SMTP
FTP
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol for sending email messages between servers. It uses TCP port 25 by default and handles outgoing mail. POP3 and IMAP are used for retrieving messages from a mail server. More details at .
What is the default port number for HTTP?
21
443
23
80
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) defaults to TCP port 80 for unencrypted web traffic. Port 443 is used by HTTPS for encrypted connections. Ports 21 and 23 are used by FTP and Telnet respectively. For reference see .
Which OSI layer is responsible for routing?
Network layer
Data Link layer
Transport layer
Session layer
The Network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model is responsible for routing packets across different networks. It determines the best path for data and handles logical addressing (IP). Lower layers like Data Link and Physical handle local delivery. See .
What does MAC address stand for?
Message Authentication Code
Media Access Control
Machine Access Control
Medium Allocation Code
MAC stands for Media Access Control, which is a unique hardware identifier assigned to a network interface controller. It operates at the Data Link layer to ensure frames are delivered to the correct device on a LAN. MAC addresses are usually 48 bits long. More information at .
Which cable type is commonly used for short-distance networking?
HDMI cable
Twisted pair
Coaxial cable
Fiber optic cable
Twisted pair cables (such as Cat5e and Cat6) are widely used for short-distance Ethernet networking. They consist of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted to reduce electromagnetic interference. Coaxial and fiber optics serve other use cases. For details see .
What is the maximum speed of Fast Ethernet?
100 Mbps
10 Mbps
1 Gbps
10 Gbps
Fast Ethernet refers to Ethernet standards that support up to 100 Mbps over twisted pair or fiber optics. It is an upgrade from 10 Mbps Ethernet. Gigabit Ethernet supports 1 Gbps, while 10 GbE supports 10 Gbps. More on .
What topology features a central hub?
Ring
Star
Bus
Mesh
In a star topology, all nodes connect individually to a central hub or switch. This central device manages and controls all data transmissions. A failure in the hub can bring down the entire network. Learn more at .
What is DHCP used for?
Domain name resolution
Monitoring network traffic
Dynamically assigning IP addresses
Encrypting data packets
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration information to devices. It simplifies administration by reducing the need for manual address assignment. DHCP leases addresses for a specified time period. More at .
Which protocol resolves domain names to IP addresses?
SMTP
DHCP
HTTP
DNS
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. It uses a distributed, hierarchical database to resolve queries. Without DNS, users would need to remember numeric IP addresses to access services. More information at .
What is the purpose of a subnet mask?
Resolving hostnames
Dividing network and host portions of an IP address
Aggregating multiple networks
Encrypting IP packets
A subnet mask separates the network and host portions of an IP address, defining subnet boundaries. It allows efficient IP address allocation and routing by identifying which bits represent the network. Proper subnetting enhances performance and security. Details at .
What protocol uses port 22?
Telnet
HTTP
FTP
SSH
SSH (Secure Shell) uses TCP port 22 by default for secure remote login and other secure network services. It encrypts traffic to prevent eavesdropping and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. SSH has largely replaced insecure protocols like Telnet. See .
What does NAT do?
Monitors network performance
Encrypts network traffic
Translates private IP addresses to public IP addresses
Routes between VLANs
NAT (Network Address Translation) allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP address. It modifies IP header information as packets pass through a router or firewall. NAT conserves public IP space and adds a layer of security. More at .
Which layer does TCP operate at?
Application layer
Session layer
Transport layer
Network layer
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) functions at the Transport layer (Layer 4) of the OSI model. It provides reliable, connection-oriented communication through sequencing and acknowledgment. TCP handles flow control and error recovery. For details see .
What type of IPv6 address is FE80::/10?
Global unicast address
Unique local address
Link-local address
Multicast address
FE80::/10 denotes IPv6 link-local addresses, which are valid only on a single network segment. Routers do not forward link-local packets to other segments. These addresses are automatically configured on interfaces. More information at .
What is the function of ARP?
Securing network traffic
Transporting email
Mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses
Resolving domain names
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) translates IPv4 addresses into MAC addresses on a local network. It broadcasts a request for the hardware address of a given IP. The device with that IP replies with its MAC, allowing frame delivery. See .
Which wireless standard operates at 5GHz?
802.11a
802.11n
802.11b
802.11g
802.11a operates in the 5 GHz band and can support data rates up to 54 Mbps. 802.11b and g use the 2.4 GHz band, while 802.11n can operate on both. The 5 GHz band generally has less interference and more channels. Details at .
What is the main difference between TCP and UDP?
Both are identical in functionality
TCP is connection-oriented and UDP is connectionless
UDP guarantees delivery, TCP does not
TCP has no error checking and UDP does
TCP establishes a connection and provides reliable, ordered delivery with error checking and flow control. UDP is a connectionless protocol with minimal overhead, no guarantee of delivery, and no ordering. Applications choose UDP when speed is critical and some loss is acceptable. More at .
What is the purpose of VLAN?
Translating IP addresses
Routing between autonomous systems
Segmenting a single physical network into multiple logical networks
Encrypting data in transit
A VLAN (Virtual LAN) allows administrators to partition a physical network into multiple logical segments. Traffic within one VLAN is isolated from others, enhancing security and reducing broadcast domains. VLANs simplify network management and organization. See .
What is a broadcast domain?
A firewall's DMZ
A group of networks connected by a router
A VLAN used for routing
A set of devices that receive broadcast frames from one another
A broadcast domain is the set of devices that can reach each other with broadcast frames at layer 2. Routers separate broadcast domains, while switches forward broadcasts within the same domain. VLANs create separate broadcast domains on the same switch. Read more at .
Which protocol uses a three-way handshake to establish a connection?
ARP
TCP
ICMP
UDP
TCP uses a three-way handshake (SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK) to establish a reliable session between client and server. This process synchronizes sequence numbers for data transfer and ensures both sides are ready. UDP, ICMP, and ARP do not use handshakes. Details at .
In CIDR notation, what does /24 indicate?
The first 24 bits are the network portion of the address
There are 24 host addresses
There are 24 subnets
The address is IPv6
/24 in CIDR indicates a subnet mask with 24 network bits, equivalent to 255.255.255.0. This leaves 8 bits for host addresses, supporting up to 254 hosts. CIDR allows flexible network sizing. More at .
How does BGP classify routes?
As classful or classless
As external (eBGP) or internal (iBGP) based on AS membership
As OSPF or EIGRP routes
By hop count only
BGP classifies routes as eBGP (External BGP) when learned from a different autonomous system and iBGP (Internal BGP) when learned within the same AS. This classification affects path selection and route advertisement. BGP is a path vector protocol using AS_PATH to prevent loops. More at .
What does the term jitter refer to in networking?
Time to live of a packet
Variation in packet latency over time
Average network throughput
Total number of lost packets
Jitter is the variation in packet delay across a network, often critical for real-time applications like VoIP. High jitter can cause packets to arrive out of order, leading to quality degradation. Network devices can use buffering to compensate. See .
What is the function of SNMP?
Routing between domains
Translating IP to MAC addresses
Monitoring and managing network devices
Securing network traffic
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used for collecting and organizing information about managed devices on IP networks. Administrators can monitor performance metrics and configure settings remotely. SNMP operates in a manager-agent model. More at .
Which protocol provides flow control?
ARP
UDP
ICMP
TCP
TCP implements flow control using a sliding window mechanism to manage the rate of data transmission between sender and receiver. This prevents buffer overflow and ensures reliable delivery. UDP, ICMP, and ARP do not provide flow control. Details at .
What is the purpose of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)?
Routing between VLANs
Encrypting VLAN traffic
Prioritizing voice traffic
Preventing layer 2 loops in a bridged network
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) prevents switching loops by creating a loop-free logical topology in bridged Ethernet networks. It elects a root bridge and blocks redundant paths. This avoids broadcast storms and ensures network stability. More at .
What does MPLS do?
Uses labels to route packets through a switched path
Monitors link quality
Resolves MAC to IP addresses
Encrypts IP traffic end-to-end
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) tags packets with short labels, enabling routers to make forwarding decisions based on label lookup rather than IP routing tables. This improves performance and supports traffic engineering. MPLS works across different layer 2 technologies. Learn more at .
How does OSPF determine the best path?
By hop count only
Randomly selecting a route
With AS_PATH length
Using Dijkstra's algorithm and the lowest cost metric
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) uses Dijkstra's shortest path first algorithm to calculate the SPF tree, selecting routes with the lowest cumulative cost. Costs are assigned based on link bandwidth. This ensures optimal routing within an area. See .
What type of address autoconfiguration is SLAAC?
Stateful autoconfiguration
Stateless autoconfiguration
Manual configuration
Dynamic host configuration
SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) allows IPv6 hosts to self-configure their addresses using router advertisements without a DHCP server. The process uses a combination of network prefix and interface identifier. It is called stateless because no per-client state is kept by routers. More at .
In IPv6, what does the term 'link-local' mean?
An address used for multicast
An address valid only on the local network segment
A global reachable address
A deprecated address type
Link-local IPv6 addresses are valid only on the local network segment and begin with FE80::/10. They are used for neighbor discovery and cannot be routed across the internet. Every IPv6-enabled interface automatically configures a link-local address. Details at .
What metric does EIGRP use?
AS_PATH length
Link cost based on administrative weight
Hop count only
A composite metric based on bandwidth and delay
EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) uses a composite metric that includes bandwidth, delay, load, and reliability, with bandwidth and delay being primary by default. This metric helps EIGRP choose the most efficient route. It also supports unequal-cost load balancing. See .
How does a route reflector function in BGP?
It allows iBGP routers to share routes without a full mesh by reflecting updates from clients
It blocks external routes from being installed
It encrypts BGP session data
It converts BGP into OSPF internally
A BGP route reflector enables internal BGP peers to exchange routes without requiring a full mesh of iBGP sessions. The reflector receives updates from clients and reflects them to other clients and non-clients. This reduces configuration complexity in large networks. More at .
What is DiffServ in QoS?
A routing protocol extension
A tunneling mechanism for VPNs
A model for classifying and managing network traffic by assigning different priorities
A protocol for flow control
DiffServ (Differentiated Services) is a QoS architecture that marks IP packets with different priority levels in the DSCP field. Routers and switches then prioritize forwarding based on these markings. It scales well for large networks without per-flow state. Details at .
What is the purpose of SDN in modern networks?
Decoupling the control plane from the data plane for centralized programmability
Encrypting all network traffic end-to-end
Providing wireless access control
Reducing IP address length
SDN (Software-Defined Networking) separates the network control plane from the data forwarding plane, enabling centralized management and dynamic programmability. Controllers use open APIs to configure network behavior in real time. SDN improves agility, automation, and scalability. More at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Networking Fundamentals -

    Engage with this networking fundamentals quiz to recall core concepts such as the OSI model, network hardware roles, and protocol functions, preparing you for networks MCQ questions.

  2. Identify Network Types and Topologies -

    Differentiate LAN, WAN, PAN, and cloud networks through targeted network types questions, enabling you to select the right topology for diverse scenarios.

  3. Analyze Protocol Stack Layers -

    Break down OSI and TCP/IP models in our computer networking MCQ to master how each layer interacts, supports data communication, and secures information flow.

  4. Apply IP Addressing and Subnetting Concepts -

    Solve subnetting and addressing challenges confidently by applying CIDR principles and IPv4/IPv6 fundamentals to efficient network design.

  5. Evaluate Internet Connectivity Technologies -

    Compare broadband, DSL, fiber, and wireless options in our internet connectivity quiz to determine optimal solutions for real-world network deployments.

  6. Tackle Advanced Networking MCQ Challenges -

    Sharpen your problem-solving skills with complex networks MCQ questions, ensuring you're ready for certifications, exams, and hands-on networking tasks.

Cheat Sheet

  1. OSI Model Layers -

    Memorize all seven layers with the mnemonic "All People Seem To Need Data Processing" (Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical). Each layer has a distinct role - Transport (layer 4) uses TCP/UDP for end-to-end reliability (see RFC 793), while Physical (layer 1) defines electrical signals. Understanding layer interactions will boost your performance on networks mcq questions about encapsulation and protocols.

  2. IP Addressing & Subnetting -

    IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers divided into network and host portions by a subnet mask (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24 gives 256 addresses with hosts 1 - 254). CIDR notation, defined in RFC 4632, lets you allocate prefixes flexibly (for instance, /26 yields 64 addresses). Practice converting between binary and dotted decimal to ace computer networking MCQ sections on subnet calculations.

  3. Switching vs. Routing -

    Switches operate at the Data Link layer (layer 2), forwarding frames using MAC address tables, often in a store-and-forward manner per IEEE 802.1D. Routers work at the Network layer (layer 3), directing packets via IP routing tables and dynamic protocols like OSPF (RFC 2328) and EIGRP. Distinguishing frame forwarding from packet routing is a staple network types question in quizzes.

  4. Network Topologies -

    Common topologies include star (central hub), bus (single backbone), ring (token passing), and mesh (multiple redundant paths). A star topology simplifies troubleshooting but adds a single point of failure at the hub, whereas full mesh maximizes redundancy at higher cost. Drawing each layout and listing pros/cons helps cement answers on network types questions.

  5. Key Protocols & Port Numbers -

    Memorize core transport protocols and their well-known ports: HTTP (TCP 80), HTTPS (TCP 443), FTP (TCP 21), SSH (TCP 22) as assigned by IANA. A handy mnemonic is "FISH" (FTP, HTTP, SSH) to recall defaults quickly. This knowledge is vital for internet connectivity quiz items and troubleshooting scenarios.

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