Cert-Ex CCST Networking Exam - Overview

 The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking exam covers a range of fundamental networking topics. Here's a breakdown of the key areas:

1. Standards and Concepts

• OSI Model: Understanding the seven layers of the OSI model (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application) and their functions. 1  
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• TCP/IP Model: Familiarity with the four layers of the TCP/IP model (Application, Transport, Internet, Network Access) and their protocols.
• Networking Fundamentals: Basic networking terminology, concepts, and devices (routers, switches, hubs, etc.).

2. Addressing and Subnet Formats

• IP Addressing: Understanding IP addresses (IPv4 and IPv6), subnetting, and subnet masks.
• Classful and Classless Addressing: Familiarization with different addressing schemes.

3. Endpoints and Media Types

• Network Devices: Understanding the functions and characteristics of various network devices.
• Network Media: Familiarity with different types of network media (copper, fiber optic, wireless).

4. Infrastructure

• Network Topologies: Understanding different network topologies (bus, star, mesh, etc.).
• Network Devices: Identifying and explaining the roles of various network devices.

5. Diagnosing Problems

• Troubleshooting Techniques: Basic troubleshooting techniques, including the use of diagnostic tools.
• Common Network Issues: Identifying and resolving common network problems.

6. Security

• Basic Security Concepts: Understanding fundamental security concepts like confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Security Measures: Basic knowledge of security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and authentication.

Key Considerations:

• Exam Format: The CCST Networking exam is typically a multiple-choice exam.
• Study Resources: Cisco provides official study guides and resources on their website.
• Practice Exams: Practice exams can help you prepare for the exam format and identify areas for improvement.

By focusing on these key topics and utilizing available study resources, you can increase your chances of success on the CCST Networking exam.

Checkout the CCST Networking practice tests at Certexams.com

CCST Networking - ICMP Protocol Explained

 The Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is a crucial network layer protocol within the TCP/IP suite. It acts as a messenger system for devices on the network, allowing them to exchange vital information and troubleshoot connectivity issues.   

 

Key Functions:

• Error Reporting: ICMP's primary role is to report errors encountered during data transmission. When a device encounters a problem (like an unreachable destination, packet size exceeding limits, or a time-to-live (TTL) expiration), it sends an ICMP error message back to the source. This helps the source device identify and address the issue.  

• Diagnostic Tools: ICMP forms the foundation for several network diagnostic tools:

  • Ping: Uses ICMP Echo Request and Echo Reply messages to test reachability between two devices.  
  • Traceroute: Utilizes ICMP Time Exceeded messages to map the path a packet takes through the network.  

• Network Management: ICMP messages provide valuable information for network administrators, such as:

  • Network topology discovery  
  • Identifying network congestion
  • Monitoring network performance  
     

Common ICMP Message Types:

• Echo Request/Reply: Used by the ping command to test connectivity.  
• Destination Unreachable: Indicates that the destination host or network is unreachable.  
• Time Exceeded: Indicates that the TTL value in the IP header has expired.  
• Parameter Problem: Indicates that an error occurred with an IP header field.  
• Source Quench: (Deprecated) Used to signal congestion to the source.  
   

Significance:

ICMP plays a vital role in the functioning of the internet:  

• Troubleshooting: Enables network administrators to quickly identify and resolve connectivity problems.  
• Network Monitoring: Provides valuable insights into network performance and behavior.  
• Protocol Foundation: Serves as the basis for other network protocols and applications.  
   

Note: While ICMP is essential for network diagnostics, it can also be exploited for malicious purposes. For example, ICMP floods can be used to launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.  

Ref: CCST Networking Exam