Technical Assessment Question Bank

Compiled from CISCO Ideathon - Advanced Software 2023 / Mettl Online Assessment screenshots
Aptitude, logical reasoning, and non-verbal pattern questions have been excluded.

Part A Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 20 Questions

Part B Coding Questions 3 Questions

Part C Other Technical Questions Notes

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Part A – MCQs

Q1. In a large multinational company with offices located in different countries, assume that
employees need to collaborate on a daily basis, share resources, and access centralized
systems. The company's headquarters, where the central servers and main IT infrastructure
are located, is situated in one country. The employees from various offices spread across
different continents need reliable and efficient connectivity to access the shared resources.
Which type of network will be most suitable for this complex scenario? Analyze the given
choices and select the correct option.
[Answer choices are presented as network topology diagrams showing multiple regional servers interconnected
in a partial-mesh / hybrid WAN arrangement.]

Q2. You are developing a client-server application that requires communication between the
client and server using a custom protocol. The server listens on port 8080 for incoming
connections, and the client needs to establish a connection and send a request to the server.
Which programming language or framework would you recommend for implementing the
application layer communication in this scenario?
A. Java's [Link] package
B. JavaScript's fetch API
C. Python's socket module
D. C++'s boost::asio library

Q3. You are a network architect designing a new network infrastructure for a large
corporation. To create an accurate network model, you decide to use a graph-based approach
in Python. You implement the following code snippet to represent the network:
#code_start_python
import networkx as nx

def create_network_model():
G = [Link]()

G.add_node('Router')
G.add_node('Switch')
G.add_node('Firewall')
G.add_node('Server')

G.add_edge('Router', 'Switch')
G.add_edge('Switch', 'Firewall')
G.add_edge('Firewall', 'Server')

return G
#code_end

Based on the given code, what does the create_network_model() function return?

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 A. A list of devices in the network.
B. An empty graph object.
C. A graph object representing the network model with nodes as devices and edges as connections.
D. A list of connections between the devices in the network.

Q4. Assume you are troubleshooting a network connectivity issue between two computers.
After performing some tests, you find that the computers can communicate with each other
on the local network, but not on the internet. You suspect a possible issue with TCP. Which
option from the given choices denotes the likely cause of this problem?
A. Improper DNS server settings.
B. Faulty Ethernet cable.
C. Firewall blocking outgoing connections.
D. Incorrect subnet mask.

Q5. You are a network engineer working on a Python script to configure static routes on a
router. The script requires assigning a subnet mask to a specific network: [Link] –
[Link]. The IP address range has been defined as shown. You are tasked with
completing the code snippet below by adding the missing line to assign the appropriate
subnet mask.

#code_start_python
import ipaddress

ip_network = ipaddress.IPv4Network('[Link]/24')
subnet_mask = ______________ # Add the missing line of code
print(subnet_mask)
#code_end

Which line of code should be added to correctly assign the subnet mask for the given IP
address range?

Q6. Assume that a medium-sized enterprise is planning to implement a wireless network

infrastructure that can support a high volume of simultaneous connections, provide seamless
mobility for employees, and ensure robust security. The network should cover multiple floors
in an office building and accommodate a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones,
and IoT devices. Which wireless networking standard will be the most suitable choice for this
complex scenario? Select the correct option from the given choices.
A. 802.11b is a wireless networking standard that operates in the 2.4 GHz band and supports data
rates up to 11 Mbps.
B. 802.11ax is the Wi-Fi standard that operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
C. 802.11n is a wireless networking standard that uses MIMO to achieve speeds of up to 600 Mbps.

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 D. 802.11g is a wireless networking standard that operates in the 2.4 GHz band and supports data
rates up to 54 Mbps.

Q7. Consider that John is a software engineer working on a client-server application. He

needs to ensure that the client can successfully establish a TCP connection with the server
for data exchange. During the testing phase, he observes the given sequence of events:
1. The client application sends a SYN packet to the server.
2. The server receives the SYN packet and sends back an ACK packet with the SYN flag set.
3. The client receives the SYN-ACK packet and sends an ACK packet to the server, completing
the three-way handshake.

Based on this scenario, which statement is NOT true regarding the TCP connection
establishment process? Select the correct option from the given choices.
A. Three-way handshake is used.
B. SYN and ACK flags are used in the TCP header.
C. The server application initiates the connection.
D. The client application sends a SYN packet to the server.

Q8. Assume that a company is planning to implement a new network infrastructure and is
evaluating different network models. The company requires a model that provides fault
tolerance, scalability, and efficient communication between distributed systems. Which
network model will be most suitable for its requirements? Select the correct answer(s) from
the given choices. (Choose the best option(s))
A. Peer-to-peer (P2P) network model
B. Client-server network model
C. Bus network model
D. Hybrid network model

Q9. In a network consisting of 10000 devices, assume that a company has divided the network
into 10 subnets. Each subnet is connected to the rest of the network through a _____. The
company has decided to enforce a new security policy that mandates encryption for all traffic
exchanged between subnets in order to encrypt the complete IP packet, including the original
IP header. To achieve this, the company opts to implement the _____ IPsec. Select the option
with the correct set of answers from the given choices.
A. Hub, Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP)
B. Hub, Authentication Header (AH)
C. Router, Transport mode
D. Router, Tunnel mode

Q10. In a network communication scenario, assume that a user wants to access a web server
hosted on a remote network. In order to establish a successful connection, the user's

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application data must traverse multiple layers of the OSI Reference Model. The process starts
at the _____ layer, where the user's application sends a request to the _____ layer. The _____
layer then adds the necessary addressing and routing information to the request and passes
it to the _____ layer. Finally, at the _____ layer, the request is broken into smaller segments
and encapsulated into packets for transmission over the network. Select the option with the
correct set of answers from the given choices.
A. Application Layer, Transport Layer, Transport Layer, Session Layer, Data Link Layer
B. Application Layer, Presentation Layer, Presentation Layer, Session Layer, Transport Layer
C. Data Link Layer, Presentation Layer, Presentation Layer, Physical Layer, Application Layer
D. Data Link Layer, Session Layer, Session Layer, Network Layer, Transport Layer

Q11. Assume that a company operates a mission-critical system that requires uninterrupted
communication among its nodes. The system handles sensitive data and any disruption in
communication might result in significant financial loss. The company wants to provide a high
level of fault tolerance and ensure uninterrupted communication by using multiple parallel
paths between the nodes. Which network model would be most suitable for the company's
mission-critical system, according to the mentioned scenario? Analyze the given choices and
select the correct option.
[Answer choices are presented as network topology diagrams: (A) full mesh/ring topology, (B) star topology, (C)
bus topology, (D) partial mesh topology.]

Q12. Assume that you are setting up a small office network that consists of a router, switch,
and several computers. The router is connected to the internet, and the switch connects the
computers within the office. You want to ensure that all the computers in the office can
access the Internet. Which configuration will you use in this scenario? Select the correct
answer from the given choices.
A. Connect all the computers directly to the router.
B. Connect all the computers directly to the switch.
C. Connect the computers directly to the internet without using the router or switch.
D. Connect the switch to the router, and then connect the computers to the switch.

Q13. Match the following network layers to their corresponding functions in the given
scenario: You are a network administrator for a large university campus network. The network
consists of multiple interconnected buildings, each housing various departments and student
dormitories. One day, you receive complaints from users in different buildings about slow
internet connectivity. To diagnose the issue, you decide to analyze the network architecture
and its corresponding functions at different layers. Match the network layers with their
corresponding functions in this scenario:

Functions:
1. Responsible for dividing data into packets for transmission.
2. Handles routing and forwarding of data between buildings.

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3. Manages logical addressing and translates IP addresses to physical MAC addresses.
4. Provides reliable and error-free data delivery.

Network Layers:
a. Data Link Layer b. Network Layer c. Transport Layer d. Physical Layer
A. Function 1: a, Function 2: b, Function 3: c, Function 4: d
B. Function 1: c, Function 2: d, Function 3: a, Function 4: b
C. Function 1: d, Function 2: b, Function 3: c, Function 4: a
D. Function 1: b, Function 2: d, Function 3: a, Function 4: c

Q14. Assume that you have been hired as a network consultant for a multinational corporation
with offices located in different countries. The company wants to establish a reliable and
efficient network infrastructure to connect all its offices. As part of your analysis, you need to
match the given network types with their corresponding characteristics. Analyze the given
choices and select the correct option.

Characteristics:
A. Typically owned and managed by a single organization.
B. Spans across multiple buildings or a larger geographical area such as a city or
metropolitan area.
C. Covers the largest geographical area, often spanning across countries or continents.
D. Covers a small geographical area such as a single building or campus.

Network Types:
1. LAN (Local Area Network) 2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) 3. WAN (Wide Area
Network) 4. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
[Four multiple-choice combinations of Network Type → Characteristic letter were presented as the answer
options; exact letter pairings were not legible in the source screenshots.]

Q15. Consider you are working as a network administrator for a large multinational company.
The company has multiple branch offices located in different cities across the world. Each
branch office has its own local area network (LAN) and is connected to the company's
headquarters through a wide area network (WAN). One of the branch offices is experiencing
slow network performance, and you suspect that the issue may be related to network
congestion. Which network device will be most effective in resolving network congestion
issues in this scenario? Analyze the given choices and select the correct option.
[Answer choices are presented as labeled network device diagrams (e.g. router, switch, hub, load balancer).]

Q16. In a large enterprise network, consider that the network team is responsible for
designing and managing the network infrastructure. They are considering implementing a
new network model to improve scalability and flexibility. Which network model will be the

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most suitable choice for this scenario? Select the correct answer from the given choices.
A. OSI Model
B. Peer-to-Peer Model
C. Hybrid Model
D. TCP/IP Model

Q17. Assume you are a network administrator for a large company. You are troubleshooting a
problem with a user who is unable to access the company's intranet. The user's computer is
connected to the company's network via a _____, but the user's computer is not receiving an
IP address. The most likely cause of the problem is that the _____ is not configured correctly.
Select the option with the correct set of answers from the given choices.
A. Domain Name System (DNS) Server, Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter
B. Wired Ethernet Adapter, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server
C. Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter, Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter
D. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP) Server

Q18. In a real-time video conferencing application, consider that a group of users spread
across different continents are participating in a virtual team meeting. Each participant has a
unique role and is responsible for presenting his/her findings and insights. The meeting
involves the simultaneous sharing of audio, video, and presentation slides. The application
transmits the presentation slides with the least impact on the overall network performance.
Considering the scenario described, which protocol will be most appropriate? Analyze the
given choices and select the correct option.
[Answer choices are presented as diagrams illustrating different protocol exchanges: a TCP
active-open/passive-open three-way handshake, an FTP commands/replies/data exchange, a generic
sender-to-recipient packet diagram, and a request/response exchange diagram.]

Q19. In a local area network (LAN) environment, consider that multiple devices are connected
to a shared medium using a MAC (Media Access Control) protocol. One of the devices wants
to transmit data to another device on the network. However, several other devices on the
network also have data to transmit simultaneously. Which MAC protocol is most suitable for
this scenario? Analyze the given choices and select the correct option.
[Answer choices are presented as diagrams: one illustrating CSMA/CD-style frame collision between devices on
a shared bus, and another illustrating a polling-based primary/secondary (master/slave) protocol.]

Q20. Assume that a company has a network of 1000 devices. The network is divided into 10
subnets. Each subnet has a router that connects it to the rest of the network. The company
wants to implement a new security policy that requires all traffic between subnets to be
encrypted. Which protocol can be used to encrypt traffic at the network layer? Analyze the
given choices and select the correct option.

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[Answer choices are presented as diagrams: an SMTP mail-delivery diagram, a layered protocol stack diagram
(Application/Session/Transport/Network/Data Link), an encrypted-vs-unencrypted SSH tunnel diagram, and an
IPsec network device/tunnel diagram.]

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Part B – Coding Questions

Q1. Monica and Joey

Monica is making N food items for Joey. Each of these food items has some nutritional value stored in an
array V. Help Monica to divide these food items into separate meals while making sure of the following
points: each meal should contain at least K number of food items, and the difference between the
maximum and the minimum nutritional value of food items in the meals should be at most M. Your task is
to find and return the minimum number of meals in which Monica can divide the food items. If the food
items cannot be divided into meals by following the above criteria, return -1.

Input Specification:
input1: An integer value N, representing the number of food items.
input2: An integer value M, representing the maximum allowed nutritional value difference in a meal.
input3: An integer value K, representing the minimum number of food items required in one meal.
input4: An integer array V, representing the nutritional values of the food items.

Output Specification:
Return the minimum number of meals in which Monica can divide the food items.

Example 1
input1: 3
input2: 1
input3: 1
input4: {1, 1, 1}
Output: 1
Explanation: All 3 food items can be a single meal as the difference between the maximum and minimum
nutritional value of items is 0, while the maximum allowed difference is M = 1. Hence, 1 is returned as output.

Example 2
input1: 2
input2: 1
input3: 2
input4: {1, 4}
Output: -1
Explanation: Both items must be put in one meal since the minimum required food items per meal is K = 2,
but the difference between the maximum and minimum nutrition value of the items is greater than the
maximum allowed difference M = 1. Hence, it is not possible to create a valid meal, so -1 is returned as
output.

Q2. Test Creation

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Ralph manages a team of test creators who work on creating N tests for various company's recruitment
processes. The team consists of (n1 + n2 + n3) interns who are categorized into three groups based on
their assigned tasks: n1 interns work on Test Research, n2 interns work on Test Creation, and n3 interns
work on Test Final Reviews. Each intern in a group works with the same efficiency. The time taken by an
intern in Test Research is t days, in Test Creation is t+2 days, and in Test Final Review is t-2 days to
complete their task. The HR team wants to ensure that the interns work efficiently and complete their work
within d days. Your task is to determine and return whether it is possible to complete the work within the
assigned time. If it is possible, return "Yes X," where X is the number of days it would take to finish the
work; otherwise, return "No Y," where Y is the number of days short.
• The interns' tasks are performed sequentially, starting with Test Research, then Test Creation, and finally Test
Final Review.
• Each of the three types of interns can work simultaneously (within their own group).
• Sample test case observed in the assessment console — Input: N=5, n1=3, n2=3, n3=9, t=6, d=30 → Expected
Output: "Yes 26".

Input Specification:
input1: An integer N, representing the total number of tests to be created.
input2: An integer n1, representing the number of interns working on Test Research.
input3: An integer n2, representing the number of interns working on Test Creation.
input4: An integer n3, representing the number of interns working on Test Final Review.
input5: An integer t, representing the base number of days taken per task by one intern.
input6: An integer d, representing the number of days within which the work should be completed.

Output Specification:
Return "Yes X" if the work can be completed within d days (where X is the number of days needed),
otherwise return "No Y" (where Y is the number of days short).

Q3. The Gift

John is trying to send a gift to his friend Dave for his birthday through his relatives. So, he will first send the
gift to his relative, and then that relative will send it to their relative, and this process continues until it
reaches Dave. You are given the number of people in your city and the relationships between them. Your
task is to help John find and return the minimum number of relatives involved in sending the gift from John
to his friend Dave. If the gift is not possible to reach Dave through his relatives, then return -1.

Input Specification:
input1: An integer value representing the number of people in the city.
input2: An integer value representing the number of relationships between people.
input3: A 2D integer array, of size input2 x 2, representing the relationship between two relatives.
input4: An integer value representing John in the given array.
input5: An integer value representing Dave in the given array.

Output Specification:
Return the minimum number of relatives involved in sending the gift from John to his friend Dave. If the gift
is not possible to reach Dave through his relatives, then return -1.

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Example 1
input1: 7
input2: 6
input3: {{1, 2}, {2, 4}, {1, 3}, {1, 7}, {7, 5}, {7, 6}}
input4: 4
input5: 6
Output: 3
Explanation: The number of people in the city is 7. The gift can be passed in the following manner: from John
(4) to relative 2; from relative 2 to relative 1; from relative 1 to relative 7; from relative 7 to Dave (6). Since
there are 3 relatives actively participating in transferring John's gift, 3 is returned as the output.

Example 2
input1: 7
input2: 5
input3: {{1, 3}, {1, 4}, {2, 5}, {2, 6}, {5, 7}}
input4: 3
input5: 7
Output: (value not captured in source screenshots)

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Part C – Other Technical Questions
No standalone theory, system design, debugging, or open-ended technical questions distinct from the
Multiple Choice Questions (Part A) and Coding Questions (Part B) were identified in the supplied material.
All non-aptitude technical content extracted from the source screenshots has been captured above.

One additional fragment was present in the source material but lacked an accompanying question prompt,
so it has been noted here for completeness rather than placed as a formal question:
• A subnet mask reference/calculator screen showing: [Link] (binary
11111111.11111111.11111000.00000000, hex [Link].F8.00) and [Link] (binary
11111111.11111111.11111110.00000000, hex [Link].00). No question text was visible alongside this screen in
the source screenshot.

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