The Examinations

Placing out of Network Fundamentals requires that you pass two examinations with scores of 85% or better. The first is a written examination and if you pass that you will be given a practical examination which must also be passed with a score of 85% or better.

Written Examination – You will be given 3 hours for the written examination and it will consist of 100 – 200 multiple choice, true/false, or matching questions. You may use one 8 X 11 double sided handwritten crib sheet in the written exam. Please bring pencils to the exam as you will record your answers on an opscan sheet which requires you to use a number two pencil.  The subjects covered on the exam include but are not limited to:

• TCP/IP and OSI Communications models
• Ethernet physical and data link layer standards
• Token Ring physical and data link layer standards
• PPP
• IP
• TCP/UDP port numbers 
• Operation and uses of hubs, switches, and routers
• ARP
• IPX/SPX
• Ping (ICMP Echo Request & Echo Reply)
• NAT

Practical Examination –Upon successful completion of the written exam you will be given the opportunity to take a practical examination in the Network lab. You will be expected to be familiar with Windows XP, Windows 98, and Red Hat Linux. The practical examination is a demonstration of your hands-on skills and is a closed book exam. You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to:

• Install and configure Ethernet adapters
• Construct Ethernet networks which include hubs, switches and patch panel wiring
• Install and configure a modem, configure a PPP dial up connection, and participate in an Ethernet network via the dial up connection
• Share files between Windows XP and Windows 98 across the network
• Use the packet capture software Wireshark (AKA Ethereal) to analyze  your network traffic
• Configure both an adhoc and an access point wireless connection
•  Install and configure a token ring adapter, including a gateway that will allow you to communicate to an Ethernet network