WAN Practice Exam

The WAN exam evaluates a candidate's proficiency in designing, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting wide area network (WAN) infrastructures. This certification assesses knowledge in WAN technologies, protocols, security, performance optimization, and the use of WAN management tools.

Skills Required

• Networking Fundamentals: Understanding of basic networking concepts and protocols.
• WAN Technologies: Knowledge of various WAN technologies such as MPLS, VPN, SD-WAN, and Leased Lines.
• Routing Protocols: Proficiency in routing protocols like BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
• Network Design: Skills in designing scalable and efficient WAN architectures.
• Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve WAN-related issues.
• Security: Understanding of WAN security practices and configurations.
• Performance Optimization: Knowledge of techniques to optimize WAN performance.

Who should take the exam?

• Network Engineers: Professionals responsible for designing and managing WAN infrastructures.
• System Administrators: Administrators focusing on network management and security.
• IT Managers: Managers overseeing network operations and infrastructure.
• Network Technicians: Technicians involved in the implementation and maintenance of WANs.
• Telecom Engineers: Engineers specializing in telecommunications and WAN technologies.
• IT Students and Graduates: Students specializing in networking or telecommunications.

Course Outline

The WAN exam covers the following topics :-

Module 1: Introduction to WAN

• Overview of WAN and its importance
• Comparison between LAN and WAN
• Key components and architecture of WAN

Module 2: Networking Fundamentals

• Basic networking concepts: OSI model, IP addressing, subnetting
• Network devices: routers, switches, and firewalls
• Network protocols: TCP/IP, UDP

Module 3: WAN Technologies

• Overview of MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
• VPN (Virtual Private Network) technologies
• SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)
• Leased lines and dedicated circuits

Module 4: Routing Protocols

• Introduction to routing and routing tables
• Understanding BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
• Route selection and optimization

Module 5: WAN Design and Architecture

• Principles of WAN design
• Designing scalable and efficient WANs
• Redundancy and high availability in WANs
• WAN topology design: hub-and-spoke, full mesh, and partial mesh

Module 6: WAN Implementation and Configuration

• Setting up WAN links and connections
• Configuring routers and switches for WAN
• Implementing MPLS, VPN, and SD-WAN solutions
• WAN link aggregation and load balancing

Module 7: WAN Security

• Security threats and vulnerabilities in WANs
• Implementing encryption and VPNs
• Access control and firewall configurations
• Best practices for WAN security

Module 8: Performance Optimization

• Techniques for optimizing WAN performance
• Quality of Service (QoS) in WANs
• WAN optimization tools and appliances
• Monitoring and analyzing WAN performance

Module 9: Troubleshooting WAN Issues

• Common WAN issues and their causes
• Tools and techniques for WAN troubleshooting
• Case studies and practical troubleshooting scenarios
• Best practices for maintaining WAN health

Module 10: Practical WAN Implementation Project

• Designing a WAN architecture
• Hands-on configuration and deployment
• Testing and optimizing WAN performance
• Documentation and best practices