What is the primary role of a NOC Analyst?
To monitor network and IT infrastructure, identify issues, and perform initial troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
Explain the difference between a NOC and a SOC.
NOC monitors network performance and availability. SOC monitors for security threats and breaches.
What is the importance of the OSI model in troubleshooting?
It provides a layered framework to systematically isolate and identify the source of a problem.
Name common network monitoring tools.
SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios, Wireshark, and Splunk.
How would you troubleshoot a "no internet" issue?
Ping the device, check physical connectivity, verify IP configuration, and check switch/port status.
What is the difference between a Ping and a Traceroute?
Ping tests reachability and latency. Traceroute shows the path and identifies where delays occur.
What is SNMP and why is it used?
Simple Network Management Protocol. It allows monitoring tools to collect data from network devices.
What is an SLA and how does it affect the NOC?
Service Level Agreement. The NOC must work to meet the uptime and performance targets defined in the SLA.
What is the purpose of an escalation matrix?
To define who to contact and when an issue cannot be resolved within a specified time or skill set.
How do you prioritize multiple alerts?
By impact (number of users affected) and urgency (severity of the issue).
Describe your steps when you receive a critical alert.
Acknowledge, assess impact, perform initial diagnosis, follow procedures, and escalate if needed.
A critical server is down and the senior team is busy. What do you do?
Immediately follow the escalation matrix and provide them with your initial findings.
How do you handle a problem you don't know how to solve?
Consult the knowledge base and documentation first, then escalate to a senior colleague.
How do you explain a complex technical issue to a non-technical user?
Use simple analogies and avoid jargon, focusing on the impact and solution.
How do you stay updated with the latest technologies?
Read industry blogs, take online courses, and participate in forums and webinars.
What is your experience with ticketing systems?
(Example) Experience with ServiceNow/Jira for logging, tracking, updating, and resolving incidents.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?
Briefly describe a minor error, then emphasize informing your supervisor, correcting it, and learning from it.
Why do you want to work in a NOC environment?
I enjoy problem-solving in a fast-paced environment and building a strong foundation in network operations.
How do you handle the stress of a major outage?
By staying calm, following procedures, and focusing on systematic resolution.
What are the most important qualities for a NOC Analyst?
Analytical skills, attention to detail, communication, ability to work under pressure, and a willingness to learn.
What does BGP do?
Border Gateway Protocol. It manages how packets are routed between different internet service providers (ASes).
What is a VLAN?
A Virtual LAN that logically segments a physical network into separate broadcast domains.
