The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking exam (100-150) validates foundational skills for support professionals entering the Cisco Certified Support Technicians career path. This exam tests your ability to understand networking fundamentals, diagnose issues, and apply security best practices in real-world environments. Whether you're new to networking support or transitioning into a technical role, this page provides a structured study roadmap and resources to help you prepare effectively.
Use this topic map to guide your study for Cisco 100-150 (Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking) within the Cisco Certified Support Technicians path.
The 100-150 exam uses multiple question types to assess both conceptual knowledge and practical problem-solving ability. You will encounter scenarios that mirror real support situations, requiring you to analyze symptoms and select the most appropriate response.
Questions progress in difficulty, starting with foundational concepts and advancing to complex troubleshooting scenarios that demand integration of multiple topics.
Effective preparation requires a structured study plan that distributes learning across all six domains over 4-6 weeks. Allocate study time proportionally to topic weight and your existing knowledge gaps, then reinforce weak areas through practice and review.
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Infrastructure and Diagnosing Problems typically account for a larger portion of the exam because support roles spend significant time troubleshooting and maintaining network stability. However, all six domains are tested, so balanced preparation across Standards and Concepts, Addressing and Subnet Formats, Endpoints and Media Types, and Security is essential.
When a user reports connectivity issues, you first verify IP addressing is correct (Addressing and Subnet Formats), then check if the device is connected to the right network segment (Infrastructure). Understanding how VLAN design and IP schemes work together helps you quickly isolate whether a problem stems from misconfiguration or a physical connectivity issue.
Practice configuring basic VLANs, assigning IP addresses, and running diagnostic commands (ping, traceroute, show interfaces) on Cisco switches or routers. If you don't have access to hardware, use Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 to build simple topologies and simulate common failure scenarios.
Misunderstanding subnet masks and CIDR notation leads to incorrect addressing answers. Confusing OSI layers when troubleshooting causes candidates to choose the wrong diagnostic approach. Rushing through scenario questions without fully reading the problem statement often results in selecting plausible but incorrect solutions.
Review weak topic areas for 2-3 days, then shift to full-length timed practice tests for the remaining days. After each test, spend time reviewing explanations rather than retaking the same questions. On the final day, do a light review of key definitions and formulas, then rest well before your exam.
A user initiates a trouble ticket stating that an external web page is not loading. You determine that other resources both internal and external are still reachable.
Which command can you use to help locate where the issue is in the network path to the external web page?
The tracert command is used to determine the route taken by packets across an IP network. When a user reports that an external web page is not loading, while other resources are accessible, it suggests there might be an issue at a certain point in the network path to the specific web page. The tracert command helps to diagnose where the breakdown occurs by displaying a list of routers that the packets pass through on their way to the destination. It can identify the network segment where the packets stop progressing, which is valuable for pinpointing where the connectivity issue lies. Reference := Cisco CCST Networking Certification FAQs -- CISCONET Training Solutions, Command Prompt (CMD): 10 network-related commands you should know, Network Troubleshooting Commands Guide: Windows, Mac & Linux - Comparitech, How to Use the Traceroute and Ping Commands to Troubleshoot Network, Network Troubleshooting Techniques: Ping, Traceroute, PathPing.
* tracert Command: This command is used to determine the path packets take to reach a destination. It lists all the hops (routers) along the way and can help identify where the delay or failure occurs.
* ping -t: This command sends continuous ping requests and is useful for determining if a host is reachable but does not provide path information.
* ipconfig /all: This command displays all current TCP/IP network configuration values and can be used to verify network settings but not to trace a network path.
* nslookup: This command queries the DNS to obtain domain name or IP address mapping, useful for DNS issues but not for tracing network paths.
* Microsoft tracert Command: tracert Command Guide
* Troubleshooting Network Issues with tracert: Network Troubleshooting Guide
What is the most compressed valid format of the IPv6 address 2001 :0db8:0000:0016:0000:001b: 2000:0056?
IPv6 addresses can be compressed by removing leading zeros and replacing consecutive groups of zeros with a double colon (::). Here's how to compress the address 2001:0db8:0000:0016:0000:001b:2000:0056:
Remove leading zeros from each segment:
2001:db8:0000:0016:0000:001b:2000:0056 becomes 2001:db8:0:16:0:1b:2000:56
Replace the longest sequence of consecutive zeros with a double colon (::). In this case, the two consecutive zeros between the 16 and 1b:
2001:db8:0:16::1b:2000:56
Thus, the most compressed valid format of the IPv6 address is 2001:db8:0:16::1b:2000:56.
Cisco Learning Network
IPv6 Addressing (Cisco)
A Cisco PoE switch is shown in the following image. Which type of port will provide both data connectivity and power to an IP phone?
In the provided image of the Cisco PoE switch, the ports identified with number 6 are the standard RJ-45 Ethernet ports typically found on switches that provide both data connectivity and Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE ports are designed to supply power to devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and other PoE-enabled devices directly through the Ethernet cable.
Ports:
* 2: Console port (for management and configuration)
* 3 and 4: Specific function ports (often for management)
* 6: RJ-45 Ethernet ports (capable of providing PoE)
* 7: SFP ports (for fiber connections, typically do not provide PoE)
Thus, the correct answer is C. Ports identified with number 6.
* Cisco Catalyst 2960-L Series Switches Data Sheet
* Cisco PoE Overview
Which protocol allows you to securely upload files to another computer on the internet?
SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, is a protocol that allows for secure file transfer capabilities between networked hosts. It is a secure extension of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). SFTP encrypts both commands and data, preventing passwords and sensitive information from being transmitted openly over the network. It is typically used for secure file transfers over the internet and is built on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol1.
* What Is SFTP? (Secure File Transfer Protocol)
* How to Use SFTP to Safely Transfer Files: A Step-by-Step Guide
* Secure File Transfers: Best Practices, Protocols And Tools
The Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure version of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) that uses SSH (Secure Shell) to encrypt all commands and data. This ensures that sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and files being transferred, are securely transmitted over the network.
* ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is used for network diagnostics and is not designed for file transfer.
* NTP (Network Time Protocol) is used to synchronize clocks between computer systems and is not related to file transfer.
* HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is used for transmitting web pages over the internet and does not inherently provide secure file transfer capabilities.
Thus, the correct protocol that allows secure uploading of files to another computer on the internet is SFTP.
* Cisco Learning Network
* SFTP Overview (Cisco)
Which device protects the network by permitting or denying traffic based on IP address, port number, or application?
Firewall: A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It permits or denies traffic based on IP addresses, port numbers, or applications.
Access Point: This is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. It does not perform traffic filtering based on IP, port, or application.
VPN Gateway: This device allows for secure connections between networks over the internet, but it is not primarily used for traffic filtering based on IP, port, or application.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS): This device monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and policy violations, but it does not actively permit or deny traffic.
Understanding Firewalls: Firewall Basics
