Exam Topics

The content of the Cisco 100-490 test revolves around four thematic areas. These topics have different weights in the exam syllabus that are shown below as percentages. While getting ready for the test, you need to devote more time to the domains with higher weight. However, only mastering the whole exam content guarantees success in this certification test. Now let’s take a closer look at the domains covered in the Cisco 100-490 exam.

• Service-Related Competence – 26%

  This section comes with the students’ skills, such as locating and utilizing a text editor (Notepad 4.2); locating and utilizing the Windows command prompt; locating, configuring, and utilizing Terminal Emulation (including Tera, Putty, and Term); configuring Ethernet port networks settings on the laptop (including default gateway, subnet mask, and IP address) as well as establishing a link with Ethernet ports with the help of Cisco equipment and relevant cable; establishing a physical link between laptop and Cisco console port; connecting, configuring, and verifying device interface operation status. Moreover, the part requires that the learners have proficiency in configuring and utilizing FTP T as well as FTP servers (including Filezilla, TFTP d32/64,); executing software upgrade/downgrade with the help of FTP, TFTP, USB Storage, tftpdnld, or xmodem; handling customizations via the IP/TCP network; executing Cisco device password recovery; defining as well as correcting frequently encountered network problems at Layers 1 & 2 (including serial/ether interface status; Ethernet layer 2 – full & half duplex, speed issues; WAN serial loopback test – 56K, T1, Telco assisted loopback).

• Fundamental Networking Knowledge – 25%

  Within this topic, the applicants need to have the expertise in utilizing the TCP/IP & OSI models as well as the associated protocols in order to understand how data flows within a network. Besides that, they should possess the relevant skills in explaining the basic functionality and core differences of hardware, such as wireless access points, router, LAN switch, router. Additionally, the candidates must be proficient in distinguishing various Layer 2 technologies (including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial, and Optical); describing LAN cabling; describing the DSU/CSU function; describing the Telco termination point; describing an IPv6 & IPv4 address as well as subnet; describing the PING, FTP, and TFTP functions; describing the SSH & Telnet functions.

• Cisco IOS Software Operation – 29%

  To tackle the questions from this subject area, the test takers must be capable of describing the key functions of Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, IOS-XR, as well as NX-OS software; navigating between different operating modes; defining the device current mode; copying and pasting a configuration file from/to a switch or router; utilizing as well as interpreting the fundamental Cisco IOS Software commands; explaining the location and the procedure to change the configuration register parameter; defining a configuration file on a Cisco device; explaining the licensing procedure on different platforms; explaining Install Mode IOS-XE/ Bundle Mode.

• Cisco Equipment & Associated Hardware – 20%

  This domain includes the individuals’ skills such as identifying the Cisco equipment. This involves the familiarity with Cisco Nexus 3000 Series, Nexus 9000 Series, Nexus 7000 Series, MDS 9000 Series, Catalyst 6500 E-Series, Catalyst 6800 Series, Catalyst 9000 Series, Catalyst 1000, 2960, 3650, 3850 Series & Meraki switches as well as Cisco ASR 1000 Series, Cisco ASR 9000 Series, Cisco 8000 Series, NCS 5500 Series, NCS 5000 Series routers, Cisco 800, 900, 1100, 4000 Series Integrated Service routers. Additionally, the examinees need to demonstrate their expertise in defining Cisco products by model number as well as logo marking (including line card, locations on chassis, adapter, or module); determining Cisco Transceiver Modules; defining and placing the Cisco product serial number (including module, line card, adapter, or locations on chassis). They should also have the ability to define and explain often encountered elements; understand hardware memory general terms & their utilization in Cisco switches & routers; define the cabling on the Cisco equipment; determine tools to install and replace hardware; define various loop-back plugs (including T1, RJ45 Ethernet, 56K).

Career Path

If you want to train yourself further in this field, the next certification to go for is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. While the CCT Routing & Switching was mostly fieldwork, the new CCNA takes it further by allowing you to support and configure networks by yourself. Overall, the CCNA validation is used as a benchmark for several companies to determine a minimum level of Cisco networking knowledge. So, adding this certification to your list of qualifications will open you up to more opportunities and job prospects in networking.

Certification

As stated before, the CCT Routing and Switching certification is an entry-level validation that can open you up to higher-level certifications offered by Cisco. Getting this designation is proof of your knowledge and understanding of the IOS operating modes for Cisco software and other relevant software types. It also shows that you have the skills to utilize the Command Line Interface of Cisco to service & unite various products. In addition, preparing for the CCT Routing and Switching certificate gives you a solid base in Cisco networking knowledge before you can move on to higher-level certifications. Finally, the certification proves you have operational knowledge of Cisco equipment while the other levels typically focus on the configuration process and more in-depth information.

Reference: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/current-list/100-490-rstech.html