Linux networking is a robust and versatile system that forms the backbone of modern computing, enabling seamless communication between devices and networks. At its core, it leverages the TCP/IP protocol suite, allowing for efficient data transmission through layers such as the physical, data link, network, transport, and application levels.
Key components include network interfaces, which can be managed using commands like `ip` or `ifconfig` to configure Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or virtual adapters. Routing tables, handled by tools like `route` or `ip route`, direct traffic to destinations, while firewalls such as `iptables` or `nftables` provide security by filtering packets based on rules.
Linux supports a wide array of protocols, including UDP for fast, connectionless communication and TCP for reliable, ordered data delivery. Advanced features like NAT (Network Address Translation) enable sharing of internet connections, and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) ensure secure remote access.
The system’s flexibility shines in server environments, where services like DHCP for IP assignment, DNS for domain resolution, and SSH for secure remote administration are easily configured. With its open-source nature, Linux networking is highly customizable, supporting everything from small home setups to large-scale enterprise infrastructures, making it a preferred choice for performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness.
Table of contents
- Part 1: OnlineExamMaker – Generate and share Linux networking quiz with AI automatically
- Part 2: 20 Linux networking quiz questions & answers
- Part 3: AI Question Generator – Automatically create questions for your next assessment
Part 1: OnlineExamMaker – Generate and share Linux networking quiz with AI automatically
The quickest way to assess the Linux networking knowledge of candidates is using an AI assessment platform like OnlineExamMaker. With OnlineExamMaker AI Question Generator, you are able to input content—like text, documents, or topics—and then automatically generate questions in various formats (multiple-choice, true/false, short answer). Its AI Exam Grader can automatically grade the exam and generate insightful reports after your candidate submit the assessment.
What you will like:
● Create a question pool through the question bank and specify how many questions you want to be randomly selected among these questions.
● Allow the quiz taker to answer by uploading video or a Word document, adding an image, and recording an audio file.
● Display the feedback for correct or incorrect answers instantly after a question is answered.
● Create a lead generation form to collect an exam taker’s information, such as email, mobile phone, work title, company profile and so on.
Automatically generate questions using AI
Part 2: 20 Linux networking quiz questions & answers
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Question 1:
What command is used to display or manipulate routing tables in Linux?
A. ifconfig
B. route
C. netstat
D. ip route
Answer: D
Explanation: The ‘ip route’ command from the iproute2 package is used to show and manipulate the IP routing table, providing more features than the older ‘route’ command.
Question 2:
Which file is typically used to configure network interfaces at boot time in a Debian-based Linux system?
A. /etc/sysconfig/network
B. /etc/network/interfaces
C. /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts
D. /etc/hostname
Answer: B
Explanation: In Debian-based systems like Ubuntu, /etc/network/interfaces is the configuration file where network interfaces are defined for automatic setup during boot.
Question 3:
What does the ‘ping’ command test in Linux networking?
A. DNS resolution
B. Network interface status
C. Reachability of a host
D. Routing table entries
Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘ping’ command uses ICMP echo requests to check if a host is reachable over the network, measuring round-trip time and packet loss.
Question 4:
In Linux, what is the purpose of the ‘iptables’ command?
A. To manage DNS queries
B. To configure firewall rules
C. To display network statistics
D. To assign IP addresses
Answer: B
Explanation: ‘iptables’ is a user-space utility for configuring the Linux kernel firewall, allowing rules to filter, forward, or manipulate network packets.
Question 5:
Which protocol is primarily used for dynamic IP address assignment in Linux networks?
A. HTTP
B. DHCP
C. FTP
D. SMTP
Answer: B
Explanation: DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, and other network parameters to devices on a network.
Question 6:
What command is used to display active Internet connections and sockets in Linux?
A. ifconfig
B. ss
C. route
D. hostname
Answer: B
Explanation: The ‘ss’ command is a modern replacement for ‘netstat’, providing detailed information about socket statistics and active connections.
Question 7:
In a subnet mask, what does a value of 255.255.255.0 represent?
A. A /24 network
B. A /16 network
C. A /8 network
D. A /32 network
Answer: A
Explanation: 255.255.255.0 is equivalent to a /24 CIDR notation, meaning the first 24 bits are for the network address, allowing up to 256 hosts (minus network and broadcast addresses).
Question 8:
What is the default gateway used for in Linux networking?
A. To resolve domain names
B. To route traffic to external networks
C. To assign local IP addresses
D. To manage firewall rules
Answer: B
Explanation: The default gateway is the IP address of the router that forwards packets from the local network to destinations outside of it.
Question 9:
Which Linux command can be used to trace the route packets take to a network host?
A. ping
B. traceroute
C. netstat
D. dig
Answer: B
Explanation: ‘traceroute’ sends packets with increasing TTL values to trace the path and measure delays to each hop on the way to the destination host.
Question 10:
What does the ‘ifup’ command do in Linux?
A. Bring a network interface down
B. Bring a network interface up
C. Display interface statistics
D. Configure IP routing
Answer: B
Explanation: ‘ifup’ activates a network interface based on its configuration, typically used in scripts or manually to enable networking.
Question 11:
In Linux, how is a loopback interface typically identified?
A. eth0
B. lo
C. wlan0
D. enp0s3
Answer: B
Explanation: The loopback interface, used for local communication, is usually named ‘lo’ and has the IP address 127.0.0.1.
Question 12:
What is the function of the ‘hostname’ command in Linux networking?
A. To set or display the system’s hostname
B. To ping a remote host
C. To configure DNS servers
D. To restart network services
Answer: A
Explanation: ‘hostname’ allows users to view or change the hostname of the system, which is essential for network identification.
Question 13:
Which port is commonly used for HTTP traffic in Linux?
A. 22
B. 80
C. 443
D. 53
Answer: B
Explanation: Port 80 is the standard port for HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) traffic, used for unencrypted web communications.
Question 14:
What command is used to flush the DNS cache in most Linux distributions?
A. service dnsmasq restart
B. systemd-resolve –flush-caches
C. nscd –invalidate
D. It varies, but often requires restarting a service like systemd-resolved
Answer: D
Explanation: DNS cache flushing depends on the DNS resolver; for example, systemd-resolved uses ‘systemd-resolve –flush-caches’, while others like nscd use specific commands.
Question 15:
In Linux, what does NAT stand for in the context of networking?
A. Network Address Translation
B. Network Access Terminal
C. Native Address Table
D. Network Allocation Tool
Answer: A
Explanation: NAT translates private IP addresses to a public one, allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP for internet access.
Question 16:
Which Linux utility is used to test TCP connections?
A. ping
B. nc (netcat)
C. traceroute
D. dig
Answer: B
Explanation: ‘nc’ (netcat) can establish and test TCP or UDP connections, making it useful for debugging network services.
Question 17:
What is the CIDR notation for a subnet that accommodates up to 14 hosts?
A. /28
B. /24
C. /26
D. /30
Answer: A
Explanation: A /28 subnet has 16 IP addresses (2^5 – 2 for network/broadcast), which can accommodate up to 14 usable hosts.
Question 18:
In Linux, how can you permanently add a static route?
A. Using the ‘route add’ command
B. Editing /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/route-eth0
C. Using ‘ip route add’ without persistence
D. It cannot be done permanently
Answer: B
Explanation: For permanence, static routes are added in configuration files like /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/route-
Question 19:
What protocol is used by SSH for secure remote access in Linux?
A. Telnet
B. FTP
C. SSH
D. HTTP
Answer: C
Explanation: SSH (Secure Shell) provides encrypted communication for remote access, using protocols like TCP on port 22 by default.
Question 20:
Which command displays detailed information about network interfaces, including MAC addresses?
A. ifconfig
B. ip link show
C. netstat -i
D. route -n
Answer: B
Explanation: ‘ip link show’ from iproute2 displays information about network interfaces, including their status, MAC addresses, and more.
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Part 3: AI Question Generator – Automatically create questions for your next assessment
Automatically generate questions using AI