ImageStream Certified Network Operator Certification Objectives

Exam Information

• Exam code: ICNO-XXX (where XXX is the course start date)
• Format: Written exam
• Administration: Administered by ImageStream at official test locations
• Exam length: 120 minutes
• Exam type: 140 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions
• Passing grade: 75%
• Scores: Score and pass/fail status are available within 10 business days
• Prerequisite certifications: None
• Valid Certification Period: 3 years from date of exam
• Recertification Cost: $125 USD (required after 3 years, or for retest after exam failure)

Course and Exam Objectives

• Operation and Troubleshooting
• Basic Networking
• WAN Configuration
• WAN Testing and Monitoring
• Protocol Independent Routing Properties
• Firewall and Access Lists
• Network Address Translation and Troubleshooting Rulesets

Operation and Troubleshooting

• Describe the function of the parts of the ImageStream router.
• Identify the difference between ImageStream's routing architecture and proprietary router designs.
• Describe and install the hardware required to be able to communicate via a network
• Establish communication between a terminal program and the router, and identify other tools used to access the router
• Describe the boot process on an ImageStream router.
• Define the components of ImageStream Linux - Inetics components, individual daemon process, flash module configuration, key commands, software locations.
• Describe the functions of CLI commands used to monitor interfaces.
• Identify options for manipulating "saved" configuration files - restore; backup; file locations.

Basic Networking

• Understand the purpose and structure of the 7-layer OSI model
• Classify devices and protocols and their layer in the OSI model
• Explain how encapsulation and de-encapsulation works for packet- and cell-based protocols
• Understand IP address notation and subnets
• Construct a point-to-point Ethernet LAN
• Understand the relationship between latency, packet loss and switched/unswitched networks
• Construct a topology and network addressing scheme
• Understand the difference between TCP and UDP
• Determine the type of transport protocol (TCP or UDP) for common applications

WAN Configuration

• Define the fundamental technologies involved in a WAN environment
• Match the types of WAN media to their appropriate characteristics
• Identify valid options for interface names and protocol families within ImageStream's Inetics platform.
• Manipulate ImageStream Linux image and primary configuration files
• Assign IP addresses to LAN and WAN interfaces
• Configure a basic point-to-pont WAN link on a router and save the resulting configuration file

Protocol Independent Routing Properties

• Identify the packet flow through the router's packet forwarding engine.
• Describe the difference between static, direct, and dynamic routes.
• Identify the default routing tables and preference values.
• Describe the options available for load-balancing.

Firewall and Access Lists

• Understand iptables and how iptables fits into an overall quality of service architecture
• Identify packet flow through iptables in routed networks
• Identify packet flow through iptables in bridged networks
• Understand and apply the difference between INPUT, OUTPUT, and FORWARD rules
• Use iptables to create customized rulesets
• Use iptables to filter traffic
• Use iptables to enforce rules
• Use iptables to classify traffic and filter L7 peer-to-peer file sharing
• Use iptables to log activity

Network Address Translation and Troubleshooting Rulesets

• Understand the location and function of NAT chains in iptables
• Describe the difference between NAT and masquerade rules
• Use iptables to create DNAT rules in the PREROUTING chain
• Use iptables to create SNAT rules in the POSTROUTING chain
• Identify CLI commands used to monitor and troubleshoot filter operation.