CCNA 1 Skills-Based Final Exam

Exam Overview and Guidelines

The overall goal of this skills-based assessment is for the student to connect two
PCs to create a small LAN using Ethernet and have the PCs communicate using IP.
The student must demonstrate the ability to properly terminate a straight-through
Ethernet patch cable and connect two PCs through a hub or switch.
In addition, they must be able to create a subnet scheme and configure IP settings
in order for the PCs to communicate. The exam consists of three parts:
1. Build and test a patch cable (You may use your cables from previous labs)
2. Calculate subnets
3. Cable and configure workstations
All three parts must be completed for a possible total of 100 points. Students
should be made aware of what they will be tested early on in the course in order to
study and prepare adequately for the exam. The exam overview and guidelines
portion can be handed out in advance to give them time to prepare.

Part 1 Build and Test Cable

Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Possible Score: 30 points

Objective
Build a straight-through Ethernet cable for connection of two PCs using a hub or
switch. Test the cable with a cable tester for correct pinouts and continuity. Use
Category 5 or 5e cable and T568A standards. This cable should be used in Part 3 of
this exam.

Preparation / Tools
A length of Category 5 or 5e cable, two RJ-45 connectors, wire cutter and stripper
tool, crimping tool, basic cable tester, Fluke LAN Cable Meter 620 or Fluke
LinkRunner.

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CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.0 Skills-Based Assessment Copyright 2003, Cisco Systems, Inc.

CCNA 1 Skills-Based Final Exam

Part 2 Subnet Calculation
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Possible Score: 30 points

Objective
Given a Class A, B, or C IP address, and specific requirements for the number of
subnets, the student should be able to do the following:

Determine the minimum number of bits to be borrowed

Identify the subnet mask
Identify the subnetwork address of a particular subnet
Determine the range of addresses for a particular subnet

Preparation / Tools
Obtain subnet requirements from the instructor. Provide all subnet calculations in
Part 2 of the exam. Use a separate piece of paper to show all your work. No
computerized subnet calculation tools are permitted.

Part 3 - Workstation Configuration and Cabling

Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Possible Score: 40 points

Objective
Connect two PCs to a hub or switch. Use two straight-through cables, one of them
built in Part 1 of the exam. Configure the network settings for each PC. Specify the
IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway based on the results from Part 2 of
the exam. Use the command prompt or run a utility to display the IP configuration
settings for each PC. Use the ping command to demonstrate connectivity between
the PCs.

Preparation / Tools

Two PCs with Windows 9x, Me, NT, 2000, or XP installed.

Two straight-through patch cables and a hub or a switch and connection to
router (programmed by instructor)

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CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.0 Skills-Based Assessment Copyright 2003, Cisco Systems, Inc.

CCNA 1 Skills-Based Final Exam

Name: _______________________ Date: __________ Instructor: Parisien

Part 1 - Build and Test Cable (You may use cable from previous
labs.)
Obtain a piece of Category 5 or 5e cable and two RJ-45 connectors. Use a crimping
tool to attach the RJ-45 connectors to the cable. Wire the cable as a straightthrough using either the T568A or T568B standard as indicated below. Use a cable
tester to verify that the cable is functional.
Cable standard to be used: T568A _____
1. Are the correct wires in the correct position on pins 1 thru 8?
Note: Refer to the labs for colors and the correct pinout.

_______ (10)

2. Is the sheathing inside the connector and untwisting within specs? _______ (10)
Note: Sheathing should be inside and untwisted less than a 1/2 inch.
3. Does cable test OK with cable tester?
_______ (10)
Note: Lights should come on or the LCD readout should show continuity
Part 1 Points Scored:

_______ (30)

Part 2 - Subnet Calculation using Classful Addressing

Obtain the following Network address, subnet requirements and IP address
information from the instructor.
Host IP address: _______________________
Subnet mask:

_______________________

Fill in the following blanks based on the above information (2 pts each).
Major network information:
1. Network ID Class: (A, B, or C)
_______
2. Major network address (classful): ________________________
3. Major broadcast address (classful): ________________________
4. First useable host of the major network: ____________________
5. Last useable host of the major network: ____________________

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_____ (2)
_____ (2)
_____ (2)
_____ (2)
_____ (2)

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CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.0 Skills-Based Assessment Copyright 2003, Cisco Systems, Inc.

CCNA 1 Skills-Based Final Exam

Subnet information:
6. Number of subnet bits:
_____________________
7. Number of host bits:
_____________________
8. Subnet address for the given host IP address:
_____________________
9. Range of useable host addresses for this subnet:
from _____________________
to _____________________

_____ (2)
_____ (2)
_____ (2)

_____ (2)

10. Broadcast address for this subnet: _____________________ _____ (2)

Other subnet information:
11. Total number of useable subnets (minus 2, excluding the all zeros and all ones
subnets):
_____________________ _____ (2)
12. Number of valid host IP addresses per subnet (minus 2, excluding the network
and broadcast addresses):
_____________________ _____ (2)
13. Convert given subnet mask to binary:_____________________ _____ (2)
14. Convert given host IP address to binary:
_____________________ _____ (2)
15. Subnetwork address with slash (/) mask for assigned subnet:
_____________________ _____ (2)
Part 2 Points Scored:

_____ (30)

Part 3 - Workstation Configuration and Cabling

Cable the PCs and hub or switch and router to create a LAN. Configure the PC IP
address information. Select the first two IP addresses from the range of host IP
addresses identified in Part 2, question 9. Use the last usable host address of your
subnet as the default gateway. Use the following router: _____ interface: _____
1. What is the Default gateway?
____________________
_____ (4)
2. LAN correctly cabled?
_________________
_____ (8)
3. PC1 IP settings correct?
_________________
_____ (6)
4. PC2 IP settings correct?
_________________
_____ (6)
5. IP settings displayed from command prompt? ___________
_____ (8)
6. Ping from PC1 to PC2?
_________________
_____ (4)
7. Ping from either PC to Wan address ________________?
_____ (4)

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Part 3 Points Scored:

_____ (40)

Total Points Scored:

_____(100)

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CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.0 Skills-Based Assessment Copyright 2003, Cisco Systems, Inc.