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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

Technical Proficiency Practice Test: Think You Can Ace Networking Basics?

Dive Into Our Networking Concepts Quiz and Challenge Your Tech Know-How!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of routers cables dsl broadband symbols on sky blue background for technical proficiency quiz

This free Technical Proficiency definition quiz helps you practice core networking basics like IP, MAC addresses, DSL, and broadband. Use it to spot gaps before a class, cert, or interview, and then try more networking practice for extra review. Start now.

What does IP stand for?
Internet Protocol
Internet Provider
Interconnected Packet
Internal Process
IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is the principal set of rules for addressing and routing packets between devices. It defines how data is packaged, addressed, transmitted, routed, and received at the destination. IP is a core component of the Internet Protocol Suite .
What is a MAC address?
Machine Access Code
Media Access Control address
Master Address Control
Multicast Address Channel
A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer. It consists of six pairs of hexadecimal digits and ensures devices on the same local network can be addressed. MAC addressing is defined by the IEEE .
Which layer of the OSI model does IP operate on?
Transport layer
Application layer
Data link layer
Network layer
IP functions at the Network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model, responsible for logical addressing and routing. It encapsulates data into packets and determines the best path across networks. The Network layer sits between the Data Link and Transport layers .
What is the purpose of DHCP?
Assign IP addresses automatically
Synchronize time across devices
Secure network traffic
Translate domain names to IPs
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) dynamically assigns IP addresses and related network configuration to devices on a network. It simplifies IP management by leasing addresses for a defined period. DHCP is defined in RFC 2131 .
Which tool is used to test basic network connectivity?
nslookup
traceroute
ping
netstat
The ping utility sends ICMP echo request packets to test reachability and measure round-trip time. It is the simplest way to verify basic network connectivity between hosts. ping is widely available on most operating systems .
What does DNS stand for?
Direct Name Syntax
Dynamic Name Service
Domain Name System
Data Network Service
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. It uses a hierarchical distributed database to resolve names. DNS is defined in multiple RFCs, including RFC 1034 and RFC 1035 .
Which device connects multiple network segments at the data link layer?
Bridge
Router
Hub
Switch
A bridge operates at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) and connects two network segments by filtering and forwarding frames. It learns MAC addresses to make forwarding decisions. Although modern switches perform similar functions, bridges were the original Layer 2 devices .
What is the typical maximum download speed of ADSL?
100 Mbps
1 Gbps
56 kbps
8 Mbps
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) typically offers up to about 8 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. The asymmetry comes from higher download speeds compared to upload speeds. ADSL uses existing copper telephone lines for broadband .
Which protocol transfers files securely over SSH?
HTTP
SFTP
SMTP
FTP
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) uses the SSH protocol to secure file transfer operations. It encrypts both commands and data, preventing clear-text transmission. SFTP is different from FTPS and is widely supported .
What does LAN stand for?
Large Area Network
Local Application Node
Local Area Network
Logical Access Network
LAN stands for Local Area Network, a network confined to a small geographic area such as a home, office, or building. LANs use technologies like Ethernet and Wi-Fi for connectivity. They provide high data transfer rates compared to wide-area networks .
Which IP class uses a default subnet mask of 255.0.0.0?
Class B
Class D
Class A
Class C
Class A IP addresses have a default subnet mask of 255.0.0.0, allowing for a large number of hosts. The first octet ranges from 1 to 126. Classful addressing is largely obsolete but still taught for fundamentals .
What is the IPv4 loopback address?
0.0.0.0
192.168.0.1
127.0.0.1
127.0.0.0
The IPv4 loopback address 127.0.0.1 refers to the local host, allowing a device to send packets to itself. It's used for testing and inter-process communication. The entire 127.0.0.0/8 block is reserved for loopback .
What does HTTP stand for?
Hyperlink Text Protocol
HyperText Transmission Process
Hyperlink Transmission Protocol
HyperText Transfer Protocol
HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted and how web servers and browsers should respond. HTTP is specified in RFC 7230 - 7235 .
What is the default port for HTTPS?
443
21
22
80
HTTPS uses port 443 by default to secure HTTP traffic with TLS/SSL encryption. Port 80 is used for unencrypted HTTP. The use of port 443 helps clients and firewalls distinguish secure web traffic .
Which device forwards data packets between different networks?
Bridge
Switch
Hub
Router
A router operates at the Network layer (Layer 3) and forwards packets between different IP networks. It uses routing tables to determine the best path for forwarding. Routers connect LANs, WANs, and the Internet .
What does the term "bandwidth" refer to in networking?
The data transfer capacity of a link
The addressing scheme used
The delay before data starts
The physical length of the cable
In networking, bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data transfer across a network path. It's usually measured in bits per second (bps). Higher bandwidth indicates more data can be transmitted in a given time .
Which private IP address range is defined by RFC 1918?
169.254.0.0/16
224.0.0.0/24
198.51.100.0/24
192.168.0.0/16
RFC 1918 defines private IPv4 address spaces that are not routable on the public Internet. The ranges include 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16. These addresses are commonly used in home and enterprise networks .
What is the primary difference between TCP and UDP?
UDP is used only for web traffic
TCP uses smaller headers than UDP
UDP guarantees delivery, TCP does not
TCP is connection-oriented, UDP is connectionless
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) establishes a connection and ensures reliable data delivery, while UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is connectionless and does not guarantee delivery. TCP includes flow control and error checking; UDP has lower overhead and latency. Use cases depend on reliability versus speed requirements .
How many bits are in an IPv6 address?
32 bits
64 bits
128 bits
256 bits
IPv6 addresses are 128 bits long, written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits. This expansion from 32-bit IPv4 addresses allows for a vastly larger address space. IPv6 is defined in RFC 8200 .
Which command shows the routing table on Windows?
tracert
route print
netstat -r
ipconfig /all
The Windows command "route print" displays the current IP routing table, including network destinations and gateways. It helps troubleshoot routing issues. "netstat -r" can also show routes but is less commonly used .
What does NAT stand for?
Network Address Translation
Network Access Transport
Null Address Transfer
Node Allocation Table
NAT (Network Address Translation) modifies IP address information in packet headers while in transit across a traffic routing device. It allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP address. NAT is defined in RFC 3022 .
At which OSI layer does a switch primarily operate?
Data link layer
Network layer
Transport layer
Physical layer
Switches operate mainly at the Data Link layer (Layer 2), using MAC addresses to forward frames between ports. Some advanced switches also offer Layer 3 routing features. The Data Link layer handles node-to-node data transfer and error detection .
Which broadband technology uses DSL?
Fiber optic
Coaxial cable
Satellite
Digital Subscriber Line
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses existing copper telephone lines to deliver broadband Internet access. It provides asymmetric or symmetric bandwidth depending on the variant (ADSL, SDSL). DSL technologies are standardized by the ITU-T .
What does SSID refer to in wireless networking?
Signal Strength Index
Secure Session ID
Service Set Identifier
Session Security Identifier
SSID stands for Service Set Identifier and uniquely names a wireless network. It is broadcast by access points to allow clients to identify and connect. SSIDs can be hidden for security but are broadcast by default .
What is the purpose of ARP?
Map IP addresses to MAC addresses
Encrypt data link traffic
Translate domain names to IPs
Assign IP addresses dynamically
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) resolves IPv4 addresses to MAC addresses on a local network. It broadcasts a request and receives the MAC address of the target device. ARP is documented in RFC 826 .
A CIDR notation of /24 corresponds to which subnet mask?
255.255.255.0
255.255.255.255
255.255.0.0
255.0.0.0
/24 in CIDR notation indicates that the first 24 bits are the network portion, which corresponds to a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. This mask allows for 256 total addresses, 254 usable hosts. CIDR replaces classful networking for flexible subnetting .
Which protocol is used to synchronize time across networked devices?
FTP
NTP
DNS
SMTP
NTP (Network Time Protocol) synchronizes clocks of networked devices to within milliseconds of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). It uses a hierarchical system of time sources. NTP is defined in RFC 5905 .
Which metric does OSPF use to determine the best path?
Cost
Hop count
Delay only
Bandwidth only
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) uses cost as its routing metric, which is calculated based on link bandwidth. Lower total cost paths are preferred. OSPF is defined in RFC 2328 .
Which wireless standard operates at 5 GHz with theoretical speeds up to 1.3 Gbps?
802.11a
802.11g
802.11ac
802.11n
IEEE 802.11ac operates in the 5 GHz band and supports theoretical link rates up to 1.3 Gbps using wider channels and multiple spatial streams. It is backward-compatible with 802.11n devices on 5 GHz. 802.11ac is widely deployed in modern Wi-Fi networks .
What does the term 'latency' refer to in networking?
Strength of the signal
Maximum throughput of a link
Delay before data transfer begins
Variation in packet delay
Latency is the time it takes for a packet to travel from source to destination, measured in milliseconds. It includes propagation, transmission, and processing delays. Low latency is critical for real-time applications like VoIP and gaming .
In VLAN tagging, which protocol is commonly used?
IEEE 802.5
IEEE 802.3
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.1Q
IEEE 802.1Q is the standard for VLAN tagging, inserting a 4-byte tag into Ethernet frames to identify the VLAN. It allows multiple VLANs on a single physical link. 802.1Q is widely supported by switches and routers .
What is the purpose of a default gateway?
Assign IP addresses
Route traffic to networks outside the local subnet
Filter incoming packets
Translate domain names
A default gateway is a router IP address where packets destined for other networks are forwarded. Hosts use it when they don't have a specific route for a destination. It enables communication outside the local subnet .
Which protocol uses port 23 by default for remote access?
SSH
Telnet
FTP
HTTP
Telnet uses TCP port 23 for unencrypted remote terminal access. Because it doesn't encrypt data, Telnet is considered insecure compared to SSH. Its use has largely been supplanted by SSH in modern networks .
Which routing protocol uses hop count as its primary metric?
BGP
EIGRP
RIP
OSPF
RIP (Routing Information Protocol) uses hop count to determine the best path, with a maximum of 15 hops. It's a distance-vector protocol and one of the oldest routing protocols. RIP is defined in RFC 2453 .
What is the maximum transmission unit (MTU) size for standard Ethernet?
9000 bytes
1500 bytes
576 bytes
2000 bytes
The standard Ethernet MTU is 1500 bytes, which is the largest payload that can be transmitted in a single frame. Jumbo frames can increase the MTU up to 9000 bytes but aren't universally supported. MTU size affects fragmentation and performance .
Which QoS mechanism reserves bandwidth for specific traffic types?
Traffic shaping
Load balancing
Network address translation
Encryption
Traffic shaping controls the rate of outbound traffic by buffering excess packets to enforce a bandwidth limit. It reserves bandwidth and smooths traffic bursts. QoS policies often combine shaping with other mechanisms .
What is the primary function of BGP?
Provide encryption for IP packets
Resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses
Exchange routing information between autonomous systems
Manage multicast group membership
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is an inter-domain routing protocol that exchanges routing information between autonomous systems on the Internet. It makes path selection decisions based on path, policy, and rule sets. BGP is defined in RFC 4271 .
What does 'jitter' measure in a network?
Maximum throughput
Total end-to-end delay
Variation in packet delay
Packet loss rate
Jitter is the variation in packet arrival times, which can affect real-time applications like VoIP. It's measured as the difference in delay between consecutive packets. Minimizing jitter is important for maintaining consistent quality .
Which tunneling protocol encapsulates packets to extend LANs over WANs?
PPP
GRE
L2TP
IPsec
GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) tunnels packets in a simple protocol header to extend LANs across WAN links. It supports encapsulating a wide variety of network layer protocols. GRE is standardized in RFC 2784 .
What is the purpose of the TCP three-way handshake?
Establish a reliable connection
Terminate a connection gracefully
Perform encryption key exchange
Resolve network addresses
The TCP three-way handshake (SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK) establishes a connection between client and server before data transfer. It synchronizes sequence numbers and confirms both sides are ready. This process ensures reliability in TCP communications .
What role does ICMP play in a network?
Encrypt IP packets
Send error and control messages
Route packets between networks
Assign dynamic IP addresses
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is used by network devices to send error messages and operational information, such as unreachable hosts or echo replies. It supports utilities like ping and traceroute. ICMP is defined in RFC 792 .
Which layer of the TCP/IP model handles application-level functions?
Internet layer
Network interface layer
Transport layer
Application layer
The Application layer of the TCP/IP model provides protocols and services for end-user applications, like HTTP, FTP, and SMTP. It corresponds to the OSI model's Application, Presentation, and Session layers. This layer interacts directly with user software .
How many usable host addresses are in a /27 IPv4 subnet?
32
30
62
64
A /27 subnet has a 255.255.255.224 mask, yielding 32 total addresses. Subtracting network and broadcast addresses leaves 30 usable host IPs. Calculations for host counts are 2^(32-prefix) - 2 .
Which IPv6 feature replaces broadcast communication?
Unicast
Multicast
Anycast
Broadcast is still used
IPv6 eliminates broadcast addressing and uses multicast and anycast to efficiently deliver packets to multiple or nearest nodes. Multicast sends packets only to interested receivers. This reduces unnecessary traffic on the network .
What does MPLS stand for?
Multi-label Path Switching
Multiplexed Packet Service
Multiport Link System
Multiprotocol Label Switching
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) directs data from one node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses. It improves speed and control over packet forwarding. MPLS is defined by the IETF .
What is Spanning Tree Protocol used for in Ethernet networks?
Aggregate bandwidth across trunks
Encrypt frame payloads
Prevent loops by blocking redundant paths
Assign IP addresses
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) prevents loops in Ethernet networks by creating a loop-free logical topology. It identifies and blocks redundant links, reactivating them if active ones fail. STP is specified in IEEE 802.1D .
Where are access control lists (ACLs) typically configured?
On hubs
On routers and firewalls
On end-user applications
On wireless access points only
ACLs are configured on routers and firewalls to permit or deny traffic based on criteria like IP address, protocol, or port. They enforce security policies at network boundaries. ACLs help protect subnets and control access .
Which protocol provides secure remote command-line access?
FTP
Telnet
HTTP
SSH
SSH (Secure Shell) provides encrypted remote command-line access and replaces insecure protocols like Telnet. It uses public-key cryptography for authentication. SSH is defined in RFC 4251 .
Which BGP attribute is considered first in Cisco's path selection algorithm?
Weight
AS Path length
MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator)
Local Preference
In Cisco routers, the BGP Weight attribute (a local parameter) is evaluated first to select the best path. It's proprietary to Cisco and is not propagated to neighbors. Weight overrides all other path selection criteria .
In OSPF, what is Area 0?
The backbone area
A stub area
An NSSA area
A not-so-stubby area
Area 0 is the OSPF backbone area that connects all other areas. All inter-area traffic must traverse Area 0 to ensure loop-free topologies. It's essential for OSPF hierarchical design .
Which metrics does EIGRP use to calculate its route selection?
Hop count only
Bandwidth and delay
MTU size
Cost only
EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) calculates its composite metric using bandwidth, delay, reliability, load, and MTU, with bandwidth and delay as default factors. These metrics help determine the best path. EIGRP is specified in Cisco's documentation .
What is the purpose of the IPv6 Neighbor Discovery Protocol?
Encrypt neighbor communications
Replace ARP and discover neighboring nodes
Provide DNS for IPv6
Assign IPv6 addresses
The IPv6 Neighbor Discovery Protocol replaces ARP by using ICMPv6 messages to discover other nodes on the same link and determine link-layer addresses. It also handles router discovery and address autoconfiguration. NDP is defined in RFC 4861 .
Which technique aggregates multiple physical links into a single logical link?
VLAN trunking
Link aggregation
Port mirroring
Traffic policing
Link aggregation combines several physical network links into one logical link for increased bandwidth and redundancy. Standards like IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) manage this process. It improves throughput and provides failover capabilities .
Which broadband technology uses DOCSIS over coaxial cable?
Cable broadband
Satellite Internet
DSL
Fiber to the Home
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) delivers high-speed data over existing coaxial cable TV systems, known as cable broadband. It defines how to add high-speed data transfer to an existing cable TV system. DOCSIS standards are maintained by CableLabs .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Technical Proficiency Definition -

    Grasp the core meaning of technical proficiency definition and how it applies to fundamental networking skills.

  2. Identify IP and MAC Addresses -

    Learn to distinguish between IP address quiz concepts and MAC address quiz details, reinforcing your ability to recognize each identifier in real networks.

  3. Differentiate DSL and Broadband Services -

    Analyze the characteristics of DSL versus broadband connections to deepen your understanding of common internet delivery methods.

  4. Apply Networking Concepts -

    Use key networking concepts from our quiz to solve practical scenarios, bridging theory and real-world technical challenges.

  5. Assess Your Technical Proficiency -

    Utilize the technical proficiency practice test to pinpoint strengths and uncover areas for improvement in your networking knowledge.

  6. Reinforce Knowledge Through Quiz Feedback -

    Leverage immediate feedback from this networking concepts quiz to solidify learning and guide your next study steps.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Defining Technical Proficiency -

    Technical proficiency definition refers to the measurable ability to use and troubleshoot technology effectively in real-world scenarios, from network setup to device configuration. Industry sources like IEEE and CompTIA describe it as a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on skill - think of it as the bridge between "knowing" and "doing." To boost retention, recall the phrase "Skill + Knowledge = Proficiency."

  2. IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting -

    An IPv4 address is a 32-bit identifier typically shown in dotted-decimal format (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24), and an IP address quiz often asks you to convert prefixes to subnet masks. For example, 255.255.255.0 equals 11111111.11111111.11111111.00000000 in binary. Remember "4 octets for life" as a quick mnemonic for dotted-decimal conversion.

  3. Layer 2 MAC Addresses -

    A MAC address is a 48-bit hardware identifier burned into NICs, displayed as six hexadecimal pairs (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E), and MAC address quiz items often focus on identifying the manufacturer OUI. The first 24 bits specify the vendor, while the last 24 bits uniquely identify the device. Refer to IEEE's official OUI registry to look up vendor assignments when troubleshooting.

  4. DSL versus Broadband Services -

    DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses existing phone lines to deliver internet with separate upstream and downstream channels, whereas broadband refers to any always-on high-speed connection above 25 Mbps, including cable and fiber. DSL broadband trivia might quiz you on typical ADSL vs. VDSL speeds and filter setups. A handy rule of thumb: "If it's faster than dial-up and always on, it's broadband."

  5. OSI Model Layers -

    The OSI framework divides networking into seven layers - from Physical to Application - to help isolate and troubleshoot issues systematically, a key part of any networking concepts quiz. Use the classic mnemonic "Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away" to memorize each layer. Cisco and academic sources confirm that mapping protocols to OSI layers enhances your technical proficiency practice test performance.

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