Subject: Feedback on MCSE... Took 3-17

I just took the MCSE Networking Essentials exam for the second time and

passed with an 893. The exam ISN'T easy. I studied everything right the

first time and missed by one or two questions. Talk about

dissapointment.

The first time I took the exam, I really thought I passed. The first

exam was more difficult. If I would have received the second version on

my first try, I think I would have passed hands down.

The things that got me were the following...

Question about IP. Computers can ping addresses but cannot ping name.

What's wrong... A:WINS (I answered DHCP which is responsible for

allocating dynamic ip's to clients. I knew this, but I thought DHCP

also did name resolution.)

Be sure to know Gateway, Brouter, Router, Bridge, Repeator.

Gateway: converts protocols (ex: ip to ipx)

Resides on any layer ABOVE Network layer.

Brouter: routes network traffic and passes non routable protocols.

Resides on Network layer.

Router: routs network traffick

Resides on Network Layer

Bridge: connects segments of a network. Does not connect different

topologies! (ex: Ethernet & Token Ring) Will pass on brodcast storms.

Resides on Data Link layer.

Repeator: repeats information.

Resides Physical layer.

I came up with a little rhyme to help me remember the osi model... It's

probably offending, but I'll never forget it!

pretty (1. Physical)

dames (2. Data Link)

need (3. Network)

tight (4. Transport)

sexy (5. Session)

pigtails(6. Presentation) Okay, I censored this one...

always (7. Application)

Hey, It worked for me...

I got nicked on the questions that gave an example of the current

network, then made some changes, and asked you if it met REQUIRED and

how many OPTIONAL. Watch these quesitons closely.

There's one of these questions that mentions broadcast storms. The

answer that sprung to mind was limit all protocols but TCP/IP and turn

off bridging on the Brouter. Well, I looked at the netork setup again

and saw that half the clients were MAC's! TCP/IP can't be used on

MAC's. Only Appletalk. I said regect all.

Definately know cabeling, proper grounding for bus, connectors,

bandwitch specs for each, and maximum distance.

Answer ATM and Protocol Analyzer on the questions that you're not sure

about but you need to know them and their peirs.

Know Slip and PPP.

At least 2 questions on each test dealing with them.

Compressed... PPP

Older PC ,cannot connect.. Slip

Used for dial up... Both

You'll see a question on any test you get (probably) regarding

connecting 3 cities with lines. There are different versions of the

question out there (as there are MANY different versions of all

questions it appears).

One quesiton deals with T-1 lines.

One deals with connecting a bank of modems.

The T-1 line is the easiest quesiton to answer.. pray you get that one.

The modem question is very unclear. I missed that one I'm sure. I

still don't know if you can connect 8 28.8 modems together to meet the

requirements of 1MB transfer rate. I said no? There are answers

regarding this question that go both ways. Look for the majority and go

with them.

That's not it by a long shot but most of the answers are on this site

already. This was definately the biggest help. You still need to know

your stuff, but the questions aren't as "TRICKY" as they might be

without the brain dumps.

There is a LOT of misleading our just plain WRONG answers out there.

Use your study guide first, then the brain dumps. Some people will

unknowingly tell you the wrong answer (including myself). I'd like to

see someone go through all these dumps and edit out the incorrect

information. Use the dumps to get aquainted with the questions and keep

the answers in the back of your mind.

The Network Press books (Sybase) are helpful too. I recommend them.

Good Luck!