Telecom and internet
Airspan Networks India Product Engineer Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation
For Product Engineer roles at companies like Airspan Networks India
What the job involves
A Product Engineer at a telecom and internet equipment company works on designing, testing, and supporting hardware and software products such as 4G/5G small cells, fixed wireless access devices, and network management systems. The role involves close collaboration with hardware, software, and field teams to ensure products meet performance, reliability, and cost targets for operators and enterprises. Day to day tasks include debugging lab setups, running RF and protocol tests, analysing logs, and preparing technical documentation for customers.
Role and Technical Knowledge
- 1
What is the difference between 4G LTE and 5G NR in terms of frame structure and latency?
Mention flexible numerology, shorter slots, and lower latency targets. Keep it conceptual, not vendor-specific.
- 2
Explain the layers of the TCP/IP model and where a small cell product would process them.
Cover application, transport, internet, and link layers. Highlight that small cells handle link and internet layers heavily.
- 3
What is the role of a spectrum analyser in testing a radio product?
Describe measuring frequency, power, harmonics, and spurious emissions. Mention calibration and safety.
- 4
How would you verify that a new firmware build does not break existing network attach procedures?
Talk about regression test suites, log comparison, and using a UE simulator or real handset to check attach, authentication, and data sessions.
Practical Scenarios
- 5
A small cell is not connecting to the core network. How do you debug this step by step?
Start with physical layer (cables, LEDs), then IP connectivity (ping, traceroute), then S1/N2 interface logs, and finally configuration files.
- 6
You see high packet loss on a backhaul link. What tools and metrics would you check?
Use iperf, ping with different packet sizes, and interface counters. Check for duplex mismatch, MTU issues, or RF interference on the wireless backhaul.
- 7
During a field trial, a customer reports low throughput only in one sector. How do you isolate the cause?
Compare sector configurations, check antenna alignment, run drive tests, and review scheduler logs for that sector. Rule out interference or faulty radio unit.
- 8
You need to automate a repetitive test that involves power cycling and capturing logs. How would you approach it?
Suggest a Python script using pySerial or SSH, a relay board for power control, and timestamped log collection. Mention version control for the script.
Behavioural and Teamwork
- 9
Tell me about a time you had to learn a new technology quickly for a project.
Use STAR format. Focus on the learning method, resources used, and the positive outcome for the team.
- 10
Describe a situation where you disagreed with a teammate on a technical solution.
Show that you listened, presented data, and either convinced them or accepted a better idea. Emphasise respect and project success.
- 11
How do you handle pressure when multiple bugs are reported at the same time?
Explain prioritisation based on customer impact and severity, clear communication with stakeholders, and systematic debugging.
- 12
Give an example of a mistake you made in a lab or project and what you learned.
Be honest but choose a mistake that did not cause major damage. Highlight the process change or check you added afterwards.
HR and Company Fit
- 13
Why do you want to work in telecom product engineering rather than a pure software role?
Connect your interest in hardware-software interaction, networking, and real-world impact. Mention exposure to RF and field trials.
- 14
What do you know about small cells and fixed wireless access?
Show basic understanding: small cells improve coverage and capacity, FWA uses wireless for last-mile internet. Relate to Indian operators.
- 15
Are you comfortable with occasional travel to field sites or customer locations?
Answer honestly. If yes, mention willingness to learn field deployment and customer interaction. If no, explain how you add value from the lab.
- 16
Where do you see yourself in three years in this role?
Show growth towards technical ownership, deeper expertise in 5G, or mentoring. Align with the company's product roadmap.
Coding round
Product Engineer interviews usually include a coding round. Practise planning the solution out loud, then review code the AI writes from your plan, in Python, Java, C++, C or JavaScript.
Ready to try it for real?
Take a timed test or talk through a mock interview for this role, then see your scores.
This is practice material for Product Engineer roles, written with AI. It is not a list of questions Airspan Networks India or any other company has asked.