Cisco CCT Routing & Switching Certification (100-490) RSTECH Exam Guide

Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices v3.0 (100-490)

Exam Overview: The Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices v3.0 (RSTECH 100-490) exam is a 90-minute test with 60-70 questions, related to the Cisco Certified Technician Routing and Switching certification. The corresponding course aids candidates in exam preparation.

This certification focuses on essential skills for onsite support and maintenance of Cisco routers, switches, and operating environments. Technicians must identify Cisco router and switch models, accessories, cabling, and interfaces; understand Cisco IOS software operating modes and common software; and use the Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI) for product servicing. Earning this certification provides a strong foundation for supporting other Cisco devices and systems. The exam is closed book with no outside reference materials permitted.

The topics listed are general guidelines for the exam content. However, additional related topics may appear. Guidelines may change at any time for clarity and to better reflect exam content.

1.0 General Networking

1.1 Use the OSI and TCP/IP models

• Explains data flow in a network through layer-based models, highlighting protocols and their interactions.

1.2 Describe functionality of LAN switch, router, and wireless access points

• Differentiates hardware roles: switches manage local traffic, routers direct data between networks, and access points connect wireless devices.

1.3 Differentiate Layer 2 technologies

• Compares Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial, and Optical technologies, focusing on speed and media types.

1.4 Describe LAN cabling

• Covers various cable types used in LANs, such as twisted pair and fiber optics, and their applications.

1.5 Describe the function of CSU/DSU

• Explains the role of Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit in connecting digital circuits to networks.

1.6 Describe Telco termination point

• Identifies where telecommunications provider services end and customer premises equipment begins.

1.7 Describe IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and subnets

• Details the structure and differences between IPv4 and IPv6, including subnetting for efficient IP address management.

1.8 Describe the function of FTP, TFTP, and PING

• FTP and TFTP are protocols for file transfers, while PING tests network connectivity and latency.

1.9 Describe the function of Telnet and SSH

• Both are protocols for remote device access; SSH provides secure encrypted connections, while Telnet does not.

2.0 Cisco Equipment and Hardware

2.1 Identify interfaces on Cisco equipment

• Recognizes interfaces across various Cisco routers and switches, understanding their functions and configurations.

2.2 Identify Cisco products by logo marking and model number

• Locates identifiers on devices for accurate product recognition and management.

2.3 Identify and locate the serial number of Cisco products

• Finds serial numbers on different components for inventory and support purposes.

2.4 Identify and describe commonly used components

• Discusses frequently used hardware components in Cisco devices and their purposes.

2.5 Describe hardware memory terms

• Explains memory types like RAM and flash in routers and switches, detailing their uses.

2.6 Identify the cabling on Cisco equipment

• Recognizes appropriate cabling types for various connections in Cisco hardware setups.

2.7 Identify tools for hardware installation and replacement

• Lists essential tools for installing and maintaining Cisco network equipment.

2.8 Identify different loop-back plugs

• Describes types of loop-back plugs used for testing network interfaces, such as RJ45 Ethernet and T1.

3.0 Cisco IOS Software Operation

3.1 Describe the role of Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, IOS-XR, and NX-OS

• Outlines the functions and unique features of each operating system in managing Cisco devices.

3.2 Navigate between different operating modes

• Guides through command modes in Cisco IOS, understanding their purposes and commands.

3.3 Determine the current mode of a device

• Identifies which mode the device is in to execute appropriate commands.

3.4 Copy and paste configuration files

• Explains how to transfer configurations between devices, crucial for backups and deployments.

3.5 Use and interpret basic Cisco IOS commands

• Familiarizes with essential commands for device configuration and troubleshooting.

3.6 Describe configuration register parameter changes

• Discusses how to modify settings that control device behavior during boot.

3.7 Identify configuration files

• Recognizes configuration files on devices, understanding their contents and purposes.

3.8 Describe the licensing process

• Explains how Cisco licenses are managed and applied across different platforms.

3.9 Describe Bundle Mode/Install Mode IOS-XE

• Differentiates between two installation modes in IOS-XE, focusing on their benefits and use cases.

4.0 Service-Related Knowledge

4.1 Locate and use a text editor

• Utilizes tools like Notepad for editing configurations and scripts.

4.2 Locate and use the Windows command prompt

• Employs command prompt for various network management tasks.

4.3 Locate, configure, and use Terminal Emulation

• Uses applications like Tera Term and Putty for device communication and configuration.

4.4 Configure network settings on a laptop

• Sets IP configurations to connect laptops to Cisco devices, ensuring proper communication.

4.5 Make a physical connection to the Cisco console port

• Describes the process of connecting laptops to Cisco devices using console cables.

4.6 Connect, configure, and verify device interfaces

• Ensures interfaces are properly configured and operational, checking status indicators.

4.7 Configure and use TFTP and FTP servers

• Sets up servers for file transfers and device upgrades, enhancing network management.

4.8 Perform software upgrades using various methods

• Details upgrading processes using TFTP, FTP, xmodem, or USB for maintaining device software.

4.9 Manage configurations via TCP/IP network

• Utilizes network protocols to manage and update device configurations remotely.

4.10 Perform password recovery on a Cisco device

• Explains steps to recover passwords, ensuring access to device configurations.

4.11 Identify and correct common network problems at Layers 1 and 2

• Serial or Ethernet interface status: Troubleshoots physical and data link layer issues affecting connectivity.
• Ethernet layer 2 issues: Resolves problems related to duplex mismatches and speed settings.
• WAN serial loopback test: Conducts tests to diagnose WAN connectivity problems.