8/21/98

Just passed the Networking Essentials test with a score of 810 (first time too!).

I prepared by studying the Microsoft Networking Essentials self-study guide. I read the book once, reviewed it and took notes the second time, then took practice tests. I used Transcender tests and the web site that Vijay referred to: http://www.visualmcp.com/ne/default_2.asp I liked both of these. I continued to take practice tests until I could pass. I did not like the Microsoft PEP tests.

When I sat down to test, before I pushed the start button, I put down on paper the following tables. It was helpful not only to confirm that I knew my stuff, but also because I referred to it during the exam.

Application Services that support apps Gateway AppleTalk, X.
Presentation Encryption, formatting SMB, redirector
Session Session establishment/release, security
Transport Error-free delivery NetBeui, SPX, TCP
Network Route determination Router IP, IPX, NWLink
Datalink LLC/MAC, interface between network & physical Bridge DLC, Frame relay
Physical Bit transmission Repeater 802.X

 

Ethernet TP 10BaseT 100M

1
Thinnet RG58A/U 10Base2 185M

30
Thicknet RG8 10Base5 500M

100
Fiber 2000M

 

In addition to these tables, I memorized the following about connectivity devices:

Repeater - Regenerates signal (including noise), provides no translation

Bridge - Segments & reduces traffic, does not route, provides MAC translation

Router - Traffic management, does not broadcast, provides protocol translation

Gateway - Interconnects dissimilar networks, provides application translation

Brouter - Routes routable protocols, bridges non-routable protocols

(Notice that the translation correlates directly with the OSI layer of the device.)

I approached the scenario questions by just marking them when they came up, and going back to them after I had finished the other questions. I would always read the proposed solution and attempt to apply it to the required and optional results before I even read the verbose description.

I know that I could not have passed this test without learning from everyone else’s experience. Thank you all. I’m on to NTWS4.