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Novell’s exam 050-632 (course 565), “Networking Technologies” is one of the core requirements for the Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) 5 certification. This exam is designed for entry-level network administrators who have “an excellent foundation upon which to build their network training.” It covers “the basics of computer networking, including terms and concepts.” There is no specific prerequisite for this exam. You can waive this exam if you have either a CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft MCSE certification.

This exam is moderately difficult and is priced at $125, $55.50, or $27.50 depending on the region in which it's taken. 
Most North American and European and some Asia Pacific countries fall under the highest price tier. The exam may be taken from Pearson Vue or Thomson Prometric.

The passing score is 504. This exam is an adaptive test, consisting of 15 to 25 questions, and has a duration of 45 minutes.

The topics covered by this exam include:

• Outline the major tasks of each of the layers of the OSI reference model and list the addresses needed to deliver most network services and the corresponding OSI layer of each
• Contrast the characteristics and uses of the physical and logical topologies that are used in computer networks
• Map the functions of network interface boards, repeaters, active hubs, intelligent or switching hubs, bridges, routers and gateways to the appropriate OSI layers
• Identify the function of the IEEE 802.x standards in computer networks
• Identify the media access procedures, transmission media, connectivity devices, and basic design rules of the IEEE 802.3 standard and Ethernet
• Identify the media access procedures, transmission media, connectivity devices and basic design rules of the IEEE 802.3u standard and Fast Ethernet
• Identify the media access procedures, transmission media, connectivity devices, and basic design rules of the IEEE 802.5 standard and Token Ring
• Identify the media access procedures, transmission media, connectivity devices, and basic design rules of FDDI
• Identify the Wide Area Network protocols SLIP, PPP, X.25, Frame Relay, ISDN and ATM
• List three benefits of bridging and three types of bridges
• Explain transparent bridge operation
• Configure spanning tree network and explain how the spanning tree algorithm functions
• Explain source-routing bridge operation
• Explain the use of switching hubs
• Identify the benefits of using token ring switches
• Identify and describe distance vector and link state dynamic routing protocols
• Identify the characteristics of nonroutable protocols, and name a method for dealing with a nonroutable protocol
• Decide when to use bridges, switches and routers
• Define the IP address structure
• Identify network classes
• Identify how to obtain a registered IP address
• Register a domain name
• Assign addresses to hosts
• Describe the function of host names, host tables, and DNS
• Explain the purpose of subnets
• Define a subnet mask
• Describe how subnet addresses are used
• Assign subnet addresses
• Create subnet masks and assign subnet addresses for a sample company
• Describe the purpose of supernets
• Identify the IP address criteria used for supernets
• Describe routing considerations when using supernets
• Identify the components of the TCP/IP protocol suite as they relate to the OSI and DOD model
• Describe IP routing and disadvantages of RIP and distance vector routing
• Describe link state routing with IP
• Determine which protocol from the TCP/IP protocol suite should be evaluated or implemented to provide a needed functionality or correct an error condition
• Identify the uses of protocol analyzers in managing a TCP/IP network
• Describe IPv6
• Describe the purpose of Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX) and Sequenced Packet Exchange (SPX)
• Identify and describe the components and characteristics of IPX addresses
• Identify the components of the IPX/SPX protocol suite as they relate to the OSI model
• Describe the IPX routing protocols RIP and SAP
• Describe Link State Routing with IPX NLSP and compare RIP/SAP, NLSP, and OSPF functionality
• Identify the uses of protocol analyzers in managing an IPX/SPX network
• Identify the features, directory structure, and components of X.500
• Identify the purpose of LDAP and map LDAP to the OSI model